29/10/2023
#150. 25-Oct-23. Our busiest night ever, for the 150th celebratory Globe Open Mic. We took all the bookings beforehand, and with 17 signed up we started at 7:30 with 2 songs each.
Host Peter Shields was wearing a 150th celebratory sweatshirt given by the pub, and introduced Graham Keitch, Dickon Fell, and Elijah & Shaun. Then at 8:00 pm our 'mystery guest', landlord Graham Flight, did a karaoke rendering of Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick, and landlords Graham and Mary treated the entire company to a glass of fizz and we toasted and thanked them for nearly 15 years of hosting the Open Mic.
The evening continued with 2 songs from Steve Colderick, an Alan Bennett monologue by John Brooks who also led a singalong number with accordionist Paul Hirst, and then 2 songs each from Johnny Fuller, Pete Tansey, and Jenny & The Bets (5-piece). Axel van der Neut then sang a tribute to host Peter as one of his two songs, and then on behalf of the regulars Susan B presented Graham & Mary with flowers, and Peter with flowers and a £50 Book Token, in appreciation for 150 open mics.
It was by now past 9:30, and the music continued with 2 songs each from Crossing Borders (duo), Muzz Murray, Robin & Rachel Bower (with backing band), Deacon Martin & Brother Ben, Pauper's Fortune (duo), Tim Matthews, and finally host Peter Shields with Dave Osbiston, Steve Dooley joining on cahón. The evening finished at 11:15.
It was nice to see so many past performers in the audience, including Roger Ash Wheeler, Chris Durney, Johnny Young, and Matt Tanner. Commiserations to Adam from Meeth who had come 'on spec', not knowing it was the 150th, and couldn't be fitted in.