Step into Leaves ‘N Beans on a Thursday night and you might find some of Bradley‘s greatest unsung talents. From acoustic personal players to spoken word poets, you’re bound for an experience that will lift your spirits. If you’re lucky you may even witness a little magic.
Bradley Leaves ‘N Beans manager Kate Simmons raved about the event, and keeps the shop open until the night dies down. There is no time limit, it’s a laid back environment proven to pull in a crowd.
“It’s so chill and relaxed. You can come in and sign up one time or even three times,” Simmons said. “The crowd is super attentive and interactive. They sing along when it’s appropriate and they sit back in silence, out of respect for the musician when necessary.”
Open Mic night has seen acts of poetry, music and magic; literally magic. Simmons said the magician who performed was a riot and added a whole new twist to the night. The range is endless, and the goal is to let an artist show case their emotional freedom and get a little recognition in the process.
Open the doors this Thursday and you can expect to be greeted by the comforting smells of black coffee and fresh baked muffins. Local Bradley musician and student Kristin DiMaggio played an acoustic set with some friends at the first open mic night April 4.
“I liked how relaxed it was,” DiMaggio said. “We could mess up and stuff and no one seemed to care.”
The stage opens every Thursday night beginning at 7 on the corner of Bourland and Main Street, sitting underneath Bradley Student Apartment housing, Main Street Commons.
Finals are right around the corner. On the dreaded study day, Leaves ‘N Beans will be hosting a special kind of open mic night. Simmons will be setting up personal play times throughout the day to help ease the pain finals can stab us with come May. She will extend the hours and be turning the local coffee shop into a safe haven for the overstressed.
If not for the people and the music, do it for the coffee. Pull up a chair and join in with the crowd, because there is no better combination to blow off some steam then a shot of espresso and live music.
