Both young and well-seasoned musicians take to the stage for open mic night at the Knowhere Public House every second Thursday evening.
By the end of the night, the intimate pub on the corner of Elm and Lorne streets is filled to capacity with performers, their friends, and people who enjoy listening to live music, a "grab bag" selection of genres including folk, country, pop and the blues.
Pub owner Kaitlin Lutyk and musician Eric Miron came up with the idea for an open mic night about a year ago. It has proven to be hugely successful.
"It's a community of music-loving people who like to jam," Miron said.
He is impressed with the number of talented musicians and singers he has met, and he has enjoyed networking and playing with them.
The atmosphere is supportive and non-judgmental. Many of the musicians have never performed in public before.
There is no cover charge for the evening but donations are accepted for Sudbury Action Centre for Youth.
The open mic starts at 7 p.m. and runs to midnight. Musicians just show up and put their names on the schedule.
There is a guitar available for anyone who is inspired to do an impromptu performance.
Miron is the host of the open mic nights. Sometimes he starts things off with his original songs or he backs up performers later in the evening.
A graduate of Laurentian University's music and theatre programs, Miron taught music, drama and French Immersion at the elementary level for a number of years before embarking on his passion project, dadbOdd.
He is a content creator who describes himself on LinkedIn as a "disciplined, creative and resourceful professional (storyteller) with over 10 years of experience in education, two years of content creation/social media marketing and over five years of music production. Works well in a team setting as well as independently. Lifelong learner committed to staying up to date with trends in both the film and music industry."
The music he makes alone and with his band, everyman, is described as alternative glitch rock and experimental hip hop.
You can listen to Miron's latest release, "Borderline," on his website, DadboddMusic.com. Bandmates are Joey Giroux (percussion), Shane McCool (guitar) and Joey Cronier (base).
Miron, the storyteller, has created a character named ‘Malik’ for a sonic short story series about a recovering alcoholic and drug user. Now in season four, "Malik" episodes can be streamed from Miron's website.
Knowhere Public House or KPH opened the spring of 2021 in the former Gardiner Motors building. Owners Lutyk and Bill Crumplin offer a menu of locally sourced food and a selection of craft beer in a coffee house atmosphere.
The pub hosts a variety of interesting special events including book launches and drag brunches. Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh held a meet and greet there last summer on the outdoor patio.
This Monday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. is Get Lit: Poetry Night with the city's poet laureate Kyla Heming.
Vicki Gilhula is a freelance writer. Arts & Culture is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
