by carol elliot carol6@comcast.net
On May 17, Colleen Murphy celebrates 10 years of open mic Thursday nights at the Trade Winds, the oldest lounge in the oldest city. The quaint downtown St. Augustine pub is known for presenting music from live bands on a daily basis. Please go to tradewindslounge.com for the schedule. The idea for “open mic” at Trade Winds was Murphy’s “baby.” This seasoned emcee/performer’s not-so-secret formula (she’s happy to share the ten steps with anyone who asks) assures success. “A successful open mic involves a plan, a program, so to speak, which we obviously have followed well, but most of all, we have our open mic family,” she says.
“When we began in 1997, the open mic theme was a thing from the ‘70s, like coffeehouses and love beads, and now everyone is jumping on the bandwagon.” The Trade Winds open mic has set the standard, not only for businesses all over town, but from north Georgia to Key West. The Trade Winds is now part of a national open mic website: openmikes.org.
“We are family,” comments Murphy and, like any proud parent, she goes on to say “I am pleased with all my children!” The wall of fame includes former co-host Wade Swarthout. “Wade was ‘my first born.’ The first time he came on stage he didn’t look at anybody. Now, ‘Just’ Wade plays all over town.”
A few years ago, Murphy’s “second born,” Steve Buell, won third place in the Gamble Rogers Finger Picking contest. Murphy now trades off every other Thursday with Joe Davis. “Joe is like a rock at the Trade Winds since he appeared on the scene six years ago,” adds Murphy.
Popular solo acts Mark Hart as well as Pocono Bill are the “fathers” of open mic night. They have always shown up over the years, either before or after their gigs in town, to fill in if musicians were needed on stage.
In the early ‘70s, Murphy was a part of the ‘true’ listening rooms around the campus of the University of Cincinnati. When Hoagy’s Restaurant, one of the area’s landmarks, began an open mic night, she signed up. “It was magical,” she recalls. “I saw shy singers, writers and pickers develop their own style, with their own following, playing original tunes. It was the most inspiring and creative place I had ever known.”
When Trade Winds’ owners, Toni Leonard (now deceased) and daughter Janet, hired Murphy to play for a happy hour, she thought of all the St. George Street musicians she passed along the way and what great talent was out there. “I wanted to give them the opportunity to be heard and to grow…to develop friendships and mentors. It happened…it still is happening…you just never know who is going to walk in the door.”
Of all the ten steps, says Murphy, “The most important thing is to let the musician have his moment…soak in the applause…and as he leaves the stage, let him hear his name associated with the magic that just happened. Saying someone’s name over the mic may sound miniscule, but it is an important link in the chain…and that musician comes back!”
John Tilford ran open mic at the Trade Winds for several years, alternating each week with Murphy. Tilford and his wife Kathy moved to North Carolina, but look forward to their annual trek south for the anniversary parties.
Singer/songwriter Sandi Marie now lives in Canada but always comes back to open mic when she’s in town. Check out sandimarie.com
On May 17th, at least 50 people will be honored between 5pm and 8pm. It’s the only night of the year that is not a “sign up” night. Any other Thursday night, musicians must sign up by 6:30pm. “We have to be off the stage by 8:45pm,” admits Murphy. “We try to keep it acoustic, playing everything from traditional to current country, blues, jazz, and classic ’60s and ‘70s songs,” she concludes.
Like her protégés, Murphy too plays all over town. Check out her rhythm attacks Wednesday, July 18, when Music by the Sea, St. Augustine Beach, presents Murphy/Murphy. Trade Winds is located at 124 Charlotte Street, one block from the bay, near the Bridge of Lions.
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