Open Mic Night Jean M. Harlow

– Gregory David

AAt Camille’s Sidewalk Café, Open Mic Night takes place the last Friday of every month from 7 pm to 9 pm. They feature an artist who opens and closes the event, in-between that, various local artists perform. Some artists use it as test site to try out new songs, practice, and/or just have fun making music. It really is something to behold, when all the artists get up on stage together and do a spur of the moment collab. Imagine, listening to live music while enjoying your favorite Camille’s items with your favorite people – it literally sounds amazing – it’s food for body and soul. If you haven’t gone yet, you need to. There is always something going on at the café.

When our world was permanently shaken by the pandemic in March of 2022, many places struggled to navigate these challenges. Camille’s may have paused for a little while, but they kept going and got creative with ways to bring us all together safely. The community as whole had to get creative to keep going. We will always need to eat and have a sense of community especially during difficult times. Camille’s kept up that vibe of positivity and community focus despite the pandemic.

A few of the first events of note that were born out of the pandemic was “Flavors of the World”, and “Animal Runway – Paws & Claws”. These events were centered around a good cause, bringing a positive sense of community, great food and most importantly “fun”. After they received positive feedback for hosting these events, they came up with more events for the community!

The next pandemic born event is Open Mic Night. The Hootenanny is an event that has been taking place for over 10 years at the café every Friday. (Hootenanny – an informal gathering with folk music and sometimes dancing.) This event too paused for the pandemic but when they came back, it was a joyous occasion that sparked that flame to start an Open Mic Night.

Zandra Neff was Camille’s Sidewalk Café’s baker of the time. She had suggested that the café try an Open Mic Night to bring in a more diverse crowd. The amazing team of the café, it’s home office and Dog House Media succeeded at bringing this event to a variety of local artists. Dog House Media assists with sound, set up and promotion of the artists. The team at the café is “always friendly and personable”, which creates that vibe that is so needed in Downtown Gallup - great service, great food, and great music. The owner of Camille’s Sidewalk Café said, “Music compliments Gallup’s art scene.” Artists such as Phonografica, The Neffs and others have stated that they are thankful to “Camille’s for bringing back live music to Gallup.” It appears that the relationship between Dog House Media and Camille’s Sidewalk Café has expanded the opportunities for local artists to get themselves out there. Many of the performers that participate in Open Mic Night end up performing at their other events such as “Friday Night Rides – Cars & Coffee”. Cars & Coffee has been running for almost 10 years but has been revamped and complimented by the inclusion of local artists and Dog House Media.

It is exciting to see a local business celebrating our community’s artists and people by providing a space that allows us to collaborate and join together with love of the arts. Don’t miss the next Open Mic on June 24th from 7 pm to 9 pm. Follow Camille’s Sidewalk Café on social media @gallup.camilles to keep up to date.

Jean M. Harlow

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