Serious open mic night is a big hit

May 28  2010
Friday is Open Mic Night at Serious Coffee, and last week the musicians were nothing short of amazing.

Performing were Carson Mallon, Carissa Royendyk, Sean Hanebury, Spencer Christie and Atta Boi! Each of the musicians were talented and their music was incredibly intriguing.

The night had a laid back feel, as the music was acoustic and the musicians each performed at their own whim. The musicians were also very supportive of each other, and had a close-knit and free-spirited feeling to them. Their positive vibrations were returned by the equally enthusiastic audience.

However, the musicians that really stood out were Kyle Burnett and Walter Thompson, the duo makes up half of their band, Atta Boi!

Atta Boi!'s performance was excellent. The songs ranged from catchy upbeat tunes to woeful ballads. Thompson and Burnett both brought their A-game, and created a blissful fusion. Thompson's bass playing worked as a solid, and sometimes funky, backbone, which was contrasted by Burnett's unique and melodic voice.

The night was full of memorable moments, but my favourite was Atta Boi!'s performance of their original song, Passenger. During the number, lead vocalist and guitarist Kyle Burnett sang, "I am not in control of this ship and where it goes, I am the passenger, I am the passenger." The lyrics were simple, but the passion in Burnett's voice really resonated and created a feeling of despair.

Another favourite of mine was simply listening to Carissa Royendyk's voice, each of the songs she sang brilliantly showcased her original vocal styling and her quirky humour.

If you want to see any of these great musicians and many others, go to
Serious Coffee's Open Mic Night every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.