Music at the Grange

Remember Baker plunks at the Grange. Photo contributed.

The first open mic night at the Charlotte Grange Hall was a rousing success, with seven individual or group performances featuring both Charlotte musicians and others from nearby towns. Mike Walker, the organizer of the event, said, “I’m just happy bringing together people to share music and other performance arts. The Charlotte community runs deep with talent, and it’s great that performers and audience do not have to travel far to enjoy a fun evening. Even better, we are making use of the Grange Hall, which is a fine venue for this kind of event.” 

Due to the success of this first Open Mic event, Mike is planning an open mic night for the next three months—Oct. 16, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18—all to be held at the Charlotte Grange Hall on Spear Street. To sign up to perform, contact Mike.

Performing at the event this September was Remember Baker, featuring Chris Gribnau and Lisa Henry, local to Charlotte. Benjamin Fox, a freshman at CVU, also from Charlotte, had his public debut playing his guitar and singing and did a fabulous job! Kathryn Blume, also from Charlotte, performed her own songs, singing and playing the guitar. Others from Charlotte were Robin Reid, also singing her own songs, Matt Sargent with his guitar, and Mike Walker who entertained the audience with a couple of old English melodies. 

Karl Larson, from New Haven, joined us that evening, with his autoharp, singing old sea shanties. From Bristol came Wayne Lauden who sang a capella and did a “moth style” story of his work as an EMT. And coming down from South Hero to perform was Cat Fox, singing and playing the banjo. 

An appreciative audience enthusiastically encouraged all these musicians to continue performing, and the hope is that they will return for another open mic night and be joined by others who simply want to share their music with others. Plan to join us for the next open mic night at the Grange Hall, 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16.