March 26, 2008 CAMPUS ; Abundance of talent means late nights for Wave staf

By Krista MacLean The Cadre

Some people just can’t say no. Unfortunately for Open Mic hosts Danny and Kate, the secret has been let out that they are two of those people.

The Wave has been drawing big crowds every Thursday night, when musicians and music lovers unite for intimate acoustic sets. Danny and Kate set the tone for the evening, while Charlottetown’s finest add their names to the list of upcoming acts. However, the num- ber of acts almost always outnum- bers the amount of people that can be accommodated during the 9 pm- 1 am time frame the hosts are sup- posed to operate under. But much to the audience’s delight, no one is ever turned away and the hosts gra- ciously stay well past quitting time.

“The reason we keep playing is because we have 150 people who want us to,” said co-host Danny Miles after yet another late night.

“T honestly think we have the best Open Mic in Canada. It blows my mind. There’s so much talent here it’s impossible for me to turn people down.”

He may not be exaggerating.

The number of people The Wave attracts is a testament to the talent it showcases, considering nearly every bar in town hosts its own, and sometimes more established open mic’s.

UPEI's music department is a source of some of the musical tal- ent, while others attend Holland College or are just simply looking for a place to jam and meet other aspiring musicians.

“Open Mic has introduced me to so many talented people,” said Miles. “It's given me the chance to collaborate with musicians I might not have met otherwise.”

For those who require a little inspiration or liquid courage, The Wave is more than accommodating and is quick to refill its blue plastic mugs with draught beer for only $2, a special that is only offered on Thursday's.

But some performers miss the complimentry drink that is offered at many other venues in return for a tune.

“It's a nice incentive, and its a

good feeling to have a bartender hand you a drink once you've walked off the stage and say 'Hey man, thanks for playing,”’said Dan Clarke, a Holland College student and Open Mic regular.

Despite the free beer, Clarke still enjoys The Wave's Open Mic and attends every chance he gets.

“T need to play music and its a hella good time,” he said, fresh off the stage.

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“Tt can be hit or miss, but its most ly hit.

It's fairly respectable. The other open mic's have a general atmos- phere, but The Wave has a good space for people.”

With only two weeks of classes left that space is bound to be full o students looking for another dose o fresh sounds and refreshing drinks, a combination best enjoyed at The Wave.

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