Open Mic Tales – Birthdays and Award, Pt. 2

Samantha as we sang to her.

Samantha as we sang to her.

On Monday, December 12th, the Poor David’s Pub open mic, hosted by Mr. Troll, was a celebration of Samantha Sanders’, birthday. Samantha Sanders is the bar manager at PDP, a hairdresser, a mother of three talented baseball playing boys, and an all around beautiful person.

Keith Crow started the show. He had to leave early, so Troll let him start. Troll followed Keith with Billy Keith Bucher joining him on cajon.  When Troll and Billy Keith finished, I took the stage – with a box rather than a guitar.

I asked Carlos to come up to the stage. While he was coming to the stage, I announced that Carlos was the 2016 Best Sound Man of the Year Award. When he reached the stage, I announced that, as showcase director for the Dallas Songwriters Association, I was presenting Carlos with the 2017 Best Sound Man of the Year award.carlos-sanchez-and-dan-roark

I was not trying to take away from Samantha’s celebration by giving Carlos the trophy. I was guest hosting when it was Carlos’ birthday celebration and I wanted Troll to be there when I gave Carlos the award. And, as in Carlos’ case, it wasn’t the actual birthday.

After the presentation and the two of us leaving the stage, David Card and Mr. Troll took our place. David expounded for a bit about Samantha’s talents as a bar manager and her charms as a person. Which we all echoed with shouts of agreement and applause. Then David and Troll led us all in singing Happy Birthday.

Poor David Card and Mr. Troll

Poor David Card and Mr. Troll

Then it was back to the open mic with the featured artist, Eric Sommer. Sommer is originally from Boston and now pretty much from the road. He has an old style blues guitar setup – from the amps to the acoustic guitars to the telecasters to the Shure iconic unidyne vocal mic. Eric reminds one of the blues players who came before him. Mixed, however, with a punk, salty, edge.

Sometimes being late to post works out right. Today is Samantha’s actual birthday. Go to her Facebook page and say Happy Birthday!

And the music plays on….

Peace be with you.


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