The real American Idol

About ten years ago, a dear friend convinced me to get off my ass and get out and play my music. With him. So, as part of a duo (with our voices, guitars, harmonica, and a few other instruments over the years) I began playing. Mostly we did an Open Mike Night at Mad Anthony's Brewery in Fort Wayne, IN. That's where I learned where the real American Idol happens.  No Simon or Steve, no Paula or Jennifer.  No voting. Just folks playing for folks.  The audience usually doesn't even know that they will have music with their drinks and food and often talk louder to hear themselves.  Often, most of the audience consists of the other folks who came to play. What really sets this apart from American Idol is the sense of community.  Anyone who has the guts to get up and perform deserves the applause.  It really doesn't matter who "wins" and we all appreciate the efforts.  It's not perfect and sometime it can be downright painful.  It's the joy of performing we all share that creates a bond.  We may not end up on a big stage, but we are the real American Idol.  Here's a link to my web site where I have some Open Mike Night performances from the Rusty Nail here in New Orleans, complete with crowd noise galore.