Denton coffee shop talent serves up weekly shows

by Chris Speight of North Texas Daily

Art Six coffee shop entertains clients on Wednesday nights with open mic night.

Everyone is encouraged to perform, regardless of skill level, which makes for an interesting spectacle to say the least.

Expectations were par when it came to the entertainment of open mic night Wednesday. Three out of four performances yielded acoustic guitar riffs backed up by vocals. The talent ranged from novice to good quality.

The first two acts were mellow, as the guitarists played a mélange of sounds that landed between Jack Johnson, Damien Rice, Ben Harper, Dashboard Confessional and Dave Matthews Band (before they were good).

The third set, put on by Doug Grady, James Kille, Judith Drouin and Linda Coleman, was improvisation. The quartet demonstrated a true love of performing. Their act reminded me of campfire skits, but they definitely had heart.

"We were looking for places to perform, but actually, we just came here to get a cup of coffee," Grady said.

All four improv members are involved in theater, two professionally. The Denton-based artists said they are forming a theater company called Improv-U to teach improv. They said their goal is to help people get rid of their fear of public speaking.

"Most people's biggest fear is getting up in front of an audience," Drouin said. "This can help them relax, give some courage and hopefully help them get over any fears of public speaking they have."

Photography freshman Regine Kalala took the stage next. She transitioned into her acoustic set well and mainly performed her own material. Kalala has played the guitar for five years and has been singing since she was 2 years old.

Kalala said she is motivated to perform because it's a really great outlet and can be very therapeutic. She said she wants people to be able to relate to and grow from her music.

The open mic night stage is set up in the backyard of Art Six. The coffee shop itself was converted from a house, so it gives off a comfortable, low-key sort of vibe.

White Christmas lights are hung on the fence, between the main building and the stage. They provide a soft lighting for the crowd while various floodlights light the stage. There were plenty of seats for everyone.