top of page

People Are Talking

Here's what people are saying about our Open Mic/Jam Concerts and Workshops

No Space Like It Anywhere in the Lower Mainland

ST graciously puts the “Open” in Open Mic. He creates a safe and supportive “no expectations” space for inexperienced musicians to get valuable experience in performing on a real stage and more experienced artists a receptive place to debut new works. His “Come one, come all!” approach is warm and sincere. 

He’s truly there with the sole intent for you to do better. There’s absolutely no space like it anywhere in the Lower Mainland. 


Philly Dupree

A Place to be Supported

Thank you ST. Your jams are wonderful . You do a fantastic hosting .

 

Thanks for backing me up on the 2 songs .amazing ...


Susanne Whiten

From Workshops to the Stage

ST is one of the most professional musicians I’ve ever met, not just as a singer, player and songwriter, but in how he presents himself to the community.

 

I was recently invited to participate in ST’s first three music workshops at the Legion 240, starting in December 2024. His equipment is top notch and he is a master at operating it. He has a gentle and soulful way of encouraging participants to bravely showcase works in progress, and massages the critique afterwards into uplifting and valuable suggestions.

The resulting open-mic’s on Thursday evenings have been very successful to date, and it’s been magical to watch the participants improve in just this short period of time. I am honored to know him and I look forward to continued musical excellence moving forward.

Alice Taylor

A Safe Respectful Environment

Our workshops and open mics are creating unique opportunities for us to learn and play in a safe, respectful and professional environment. The group is diverse and we are having so much fun! 

 

ST is developing a positive and supportive music community where we can try new songs as we improve specific aspects of our performance and music skills. I am more motivated now and thoroughly enjoying it.

Carrie Burton

Keeping Live Music Alive

Thank you for hosting the open mic last night. You handle the movement of entertainers on stage quickly and professionally.  Nicely done. Your guitar and vocals are outstanding! 

 

Your efforts are hugely important in keeping live music alive. I know all of the entertainers appreciate your efforts as your work provides an opportunity and venue to showcase their varied talents. 

Warren and I have played at a few open mics in the past.  Yours is the best by far.

Larry Marko

A Little Different

A new local open mic night that is a little different.

The combination of a good sound system, a host that to quote a musician, "fusses to make me sound my best" and a stage, make for a great experience for musicians and audience. Monthly performer's workshops, where experienced and new musicians exchange ideas and encourage each other, gives this open mic an added dimension.

 

The opportunity to support the Crescent Beach Legion is like icing on the cake.

Claire Normand

Four Reasons

I've been to quite a lot of jam/open mic gatherings and walked out on them. What were the problems with the gatherings I quit?

The reasons.

  1. Small venues—crowded and not comfortable to stay.

  2. Noise—People didn't pay attention to the performers and were chatting too much 

  3. Not keen nor friendly hosts—worst factor

  4. High cost—entrance fees or drinks and food were not cheap.

 

When it comes to ST's music events, none of the problems exist.

  1. Spacious and comfortable venue

  2. People pay attention to performers,

  3. Very warm and friendly host with highly advanced music skills and

  4. No entrance fee, not expensive drinks and food. 

 

Furthermore, welcoming and forgiving audiences and other musicians!

What more can I ask?  

 

That's why I keep going there and stay all night.

 

Kim

You said at the beginning of this venture that you wanted this Open Mic Concert to be different.  ST, it truly is. 

Huge thanks to you and the Legion for this unique opportunity to attend and play at the Thursday night Open Mics.  It’s been such a treat to re-enter performing in such a friendly, encouraging atmosphere. The growing crowd is attentive and seeing them and patrons from the other areas of the Legion enjoy themselves while the performers learn and grow is so satisfying.  You and some of the others are such gifted performers and the kindness you all show in helping and lifting everyone else up is inspiring.  I’ve seen major improvement in performance ability and confidence in everyone.  For some, I can tell it’s been truly lifechanging.

Honestly, I’ve never had such great equipment to use nor someone so generously sharing it.  You’re so careful to make sure all the musicians are well set up and to keep the volume low enough that it’s not intrusive.  This is the most supportive, inclusive musical group I’ve ever encountered.  People are building community with one another – performers and audience alike. It’s interesting to see people coming from Burnaby, Maple Ridge, New West, and Richmond to attend because they’ve heard this Open Mic is special.  You said at the beginning of this venture that you wanted this Open Mic Concert to be different.  ST, it truly is. 

My friends wanted to know if they could come and listen next week.  I told them to by all means, come on over, have a listen, meet some new friends and have a pint.  Good entertainment and good company while they support the Legion in a friendly, neighbourhood pub atmosphere – they’re in for a treat.

Laura Thibeault

bottom of page