A Circle Intact: Old Packinghouse open mic links young and old

Last month, I began a personal campaign to visit every open Mic in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas, and report back via TWIS on the unique flavor of each one.  

The idea was sparked by an impromptu visit to Growler's Pub's regular Tuesday event, where I was surprised not so much by my experience of the visit as I was by what the musicians and the organizer Justin Kaiser told me they got out of being part of it. In response to my last article, people responded with helpful information on all the other open mics I need to add to my itinerary --- thus taking care of a ton of research for me. (Thanks, guys!)

The comment that stood out most came from Rick Alvis, who informed me that the open mic at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe (OPC) out on Cattlemen Road is the longest-running open mic in Sarasota, going 13 years strong and host to many noteworthy acts from near and far. He invited me to come check it out one night.

Last Monday found me headed east, out to where the celery fields used to be. I arrived to find Rick sitting outside in the covered porch area, hanging out with folks young and old. I was struck right away by this age range, especially the three teenagers sitting on the picnic bench practicing a song. I was also struck by the warmth with which I was welcomed, from Rick's firm, enveloping handshake to the quickness of others to introduce themselves and welcome me. 

As the night continued, I would meet suprising characters who could boast family ties and personal involvement in Sarasota's past, including sweet-eyed Jimmy Tudor, "the Mayor of Fruitville," whose family lineage extends to the Palmer family who originally developed the celery fields and contributed hugely to Sarasota's economic development back in the day. This "Old Florida" flavor also struck me as a rare gem to be treasured in Sarasota, especially as the Packinghouse building is housed in the actual barn where celery was once packed.

These three things --- a rare interplay between generations, a warm culture of support and camaraderie and a connection to the history of Sarasota --- are what mark this particular open mic as special, a must-experience.

One of the most welcoming people that night was Mia Cristiani-Alvis, Rick's wife and owner of a particularly winning smile. As everyone sauntered inside at 7 p.m., Mia kindly invited me to join her at their family table. I posted myself along with the Alvis women at the front table --- which was also visited by a rotation of the family's men, young and old --- and took in the colorful diversity of acts to follow. 

The "young" contingent of players was led by fiery-haired Asia Alvis, Rick's daughter, who I learned has been playing in front of people since age three.  Tonight Asia acted as conduit for her two friends, Jonas and Andrew, to take the plunge into their first live musical performance ever. I witnessed a beautiful thing as they took the hot seat: Not just Asia, but others from the audience took turns to support them in the process. As Jonas sat down and began to strum, one of the Alvis women at my table called out, "What's your name?"  Of course, she knew his name. She was helping him learn the art of live performance.

Both boys got up nervous and, with the small acts of support and encouragement (including some friendly heckling), they played, sang, then stepped down with a slight glow of pride and accomplishment. Meanwhile, a younger boy roved in and out, at one point sitting to listen intently to Jonas almost at his feet by the stage. As Jonas stepped down, someone else called out, "Good job!"

Jonas smiled and admitted, "My legs were shaking."

"See, now you don't have to worry 'cause you've done it before."

*  *  *

 Mia told me afterward, "What i enjoy most about Rick's open mic is that it opens the stage for anyone, young or old."  I agree with her. I witnessed a circle intact that I rarely encounter in many communities, ours included: a link between the generations that feels genuine, alive and unforced. It was not systematized "mentorship," but there was mentorship in action. This reminded me of the power of creating space in a community for folks who share a passion to come together that is inclusive of differences by which we are typically segregated --- race, income or in this case, age. In particular, I love to see this generational divide bridged because there is a special "push" that happens as generations connect naturally. Young refresh older, older share learning with young and act as gatekeepers, often, to a common space where the young can step up to be celebrated by the community for their talents. In turn, young often end up teaching older a thing or two.

Still curious about what this happening is like for the actual participants, as well as the background behind its origin and its founder Rick's persistent support, I sought insight from Asia and Rick:

ASIA ALVIS

April Doner: I understand you were three when you first performed. What's your first memory of performing at this open mic?    

Asia Alvis: I don't really remember; it feels more like I have been performing there forever because of starting at such a young age.

AD: What do you get out of it? How has it helped you as a musician if at all? 

AA: It has given me not only exposure to a wider audience than I would have if I was just playing at home; it has also given me the chance, because of the people I have met there, to be in a few musicals around Sarasota when i was younger.

AD: You mentioned that you go to a few different open mics sometimes. What would you say is the most special thing or things about this particular open mic?

AA: The thing that is really special about the OPC is that my family has been there since the beginning. All of my uncles, aunts and cousins can say that they have been there before, or they go every week like I do. It's a very family-oriented place for me, so every week its like a mini family reunion.

AD: What was your favorite act from all these years of open mics you have been a part of?

AA: My favorite performance was the first time I played my guitar for anyone. I taught myself how to play, so I hadn't even performed for my parents yet. I don't remember getting nervous though. It was only about two days after I first picked up a guitar.

RICK ALVIS 

"I started the open mic about 15 years ago on a Monday night --- the restaurant was closed on Mondays but my brother Thom would go in to do recording. We were recording for a few weeks and people started to show up, so the owner J.R. decided to open. That's how it started. I host the night, which consists of performing and organizing the other performers. Between myself, my brothers Jim and John Alvis and my daughter Asia, we can carry the night if need be --- but we never fail to draw in great local and traveling talent.

The main reason I continue to host the open mic is because it gives me a place to introduce new talent, continue to perform my own original music and it also provides a consistant venue for others to perform here in Sarasota. It lets me, my family and friends, old and new, vent our love of music. What is special about our open mic? I think it's the welcoming atmosphere. We welcome any kind of talent from acoustic rock to country and anything in between --- young or old, experienced to first-time performers (many local personalities have debuted on our stage). Even the kids feel comfortable. The cafe is a family venue that is unique to the open mic scene.

COME SEE, HEAR, PLAY!   

OPC Open Mic
Monday nights
7 to 10 p.m.
J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe
987 South Packinghouse Drive  
Sarasota, FL 34240
www.oldpackinghousecafe.com