This summer, I saw a sign for an open mic night (basically, a laid back talent show) that was being held at our town's community center every second and fourth Sunday evening.  I called for more information, and tonight I was finally able to attend.  I didn't know what to expect, but I was told I could take up to 15 minutes. 

It was scheduled to start at 6:00 PM, but it didn't begin until almost 7:00.  they were waiting for more people to arrive, but they never did.  There were a total of nine people present when I opened the evening's entertainment.  I started by producing two doves from a flaming pan, then did my three ball routine to Mahalia Jackson's "When the Saints go Marching in" followed by my multi-ball and balance board routine to Melanie's version of the Hallelujah Chorus.  I didn't do anything overtly biblical, but  the Hallelujah Chorus was blasting in Melanie's throaty / folky voice throughout the community center. 

The highlight for me was before the show ever began.  A girl of about ten was there who recognized me from my show at our home church on Halloween night.  That evening was a poor performance by anyone's account, but this little girl told me how much she enjoyed that show.  OK, maybe it wasn't so bad after all. 

Due to the late start, I didn't stick around after my set.  There was an older gentleman there with a guitar who I heard warming up, though, and he could pick that guitar with some real skills.  Next time, I'll plan on staying through.  My friend, Fred Shapiro, is a pastor in Willimantic, Connecticut.  But he is also a killer blues musician who frequents the clubs in his city just to play and to build relationships people.  The remarkable thing is, his ministry is often more meaningful in the bars than from the pulpit.  Kinda like Jesus. 

So, I plan on returning to open mic sometime soon again, maybe with Sue next time.  She would have brought the attendance into the double digits if she had come tonight.