I'd like to thank everyone who came out for the Open Mic on January 6, I saw new faces and heard some new songs and had a very enjoyable evening.

We started last Sunday with myself and my friend Jimmy B. on harp playing "All Along the Watchtower", "Bring It On Home", "Before You Accuse Me" and "Neon Moon". This was Jimmy's first time at the Open Mic and although Jimmy seemed a little nervous at first he calmed down and played like a seasoned pro.

Sandy McLain played some originals next. Sandy's compositions "Still the Star", The Kind of Friend You Are", "Give You Wings" and "Grandpa" are pure gems. Sandy's really got it going on and I'm glad she comes and lets us hear her stuff. When are you going to start pitching Sandy? It's time.

Sandy was followed by Teja & Luke. These guys have become one of my favorite acts. Ed Teja on guitar and Jim Luke on harp play blues and classic tunes the way they were meant to be played. "Key To the Highway" and "Man of Constant Sorrow" were delivered perfectly. If you get the chance to see these guys around town go check them out, they're great.

Joe Gee followed Teja & Luke with Jim Luke sitting in on harp. Joe's got some good songs and a style that fits him nicely. I don't know the names of any of Joe's songs (he never says the name, he just flows from one to the next) but I've seen Joe a few times now and I have to say I'm impressed.

Terri Rector played "Piles of Stones", a song inspired by the Sept. 11 tragedy. This was Terri's first visit to the ASG Open Mic but she was in good company. Dylan Sneed accompanied Terri on one of her originals and Cotton Inks and Leslie joined Terri for a cover of The Indigo Girls "Closer I Am To Fine" that went over so well everybody started yelling for another song so the group played "Galileo".

Cotton continued with a couple of songs that included "Time In a Bottle". How does he play this stuff? The guy is amazing.

Dylan Sneed was next with his song "Crazy Without You". Dylan is home from school in Abilene and has hanging out with us playing some great music. Unfortunately Dylan has to go back to school for the spring semester and won't be back for while but his time with us was thoroughly enjoyed. If any of you are ever in Abilene go check out Dylan's band. When you come home Dylan be sure to come back and play some tunes. We'll miss you.

Gabriel Alexauder closed the night with some instrumental tunes on the Greek bouzouki. This is one of the most unique instruments I've seen. I saw a sheet Gabriel had with different modal fingerings written on it and I realized how difficult it must be to actually play a bouzouki (it has eight strings). Obviously Gabriel has been practicing.

Thanks to everyone for coming out and participating, I'd be really bored if no one showed up plus I hate to drink alone. I'm just kiddin' y'all, I'm having a great time. Thanks.

Jerry Wayne Cook