South Surrey man-about-music Randy Schultz isn't sure yet what he wants to call the new exclusive series of monthly concert evenings he will debut at Crescent Beach's iconic mural-decorated Sunflower Cafe in July.
"But I am tempted to call it 'Not Another Open Mic,' " he said – thinking of the plethora of open-mic performance opportunities that have blossomed locally in recent years.
"I don't know if that's a little too blunt," he pondered, acknowledging the positive purpose open-mics serve for performers starting out, or those getting back into performing, or wanting to try-out new material in a low-risk environment.
"But I do get kind of tired of seeing people at those venues who are significantly past the open-mic stage in terms of experience and investment and ability."
The veteran musician (bandleader of Nuvo Zydeco and expert practitioner of that high-energy Louisiana style) will be carefully selecting and vetting performers for each showcase, he said – and with only 20 seats available for each performance at the remodeled cafe, the series will bring new meaning to the term 'intimate'.
“The shows will be be restricted to two performers, maximum, because of the size of the venue,” he said.
“I’ll be giving preference to local performers, but also to those who would be welcomed here – we do want bring in outside people who would connect well with the community.”
First concert is planned for Saturday, July 12 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with an as-yet-to-be-confirmed performer.
Schultz ran a successful concert series at Sunflower Cafe a decade ago which incorporated dinner and a performance, but with the current much more limited seating, the space lends itself to those who want to enjoy coffee and dessert and a chance to really listen to a favourite instrumentalist or singer-songwriter.
It's not intended to be a typically chatty club experience with someone playing an acoustic take on familiar classic rock in the background, he noted.
"I want it to be an intimate setting where people can feel attuned to the music, acknowledge the artist and really get into what the performer is trying to do," he said.
With a planned cover charge of a very reasonable $10, there shouldn't be trouble filling the available seats for each concert, and providing some compensation for the acts, Schultz added, noting that he isn't setting up the series as a money-maker for himself.
"It's just the kind of thing that I think should be happening in a pro-arts community – and (Sunflower Cafe owners) Kathie Buote and Sym Thiele get it.
"They are business people but they understand the importance and value of live music and the arts in general."
Even with a summertime launch, seats are likely to be in high demand, he agreed.
“Pre-booking is never a bad thing, and if people want to reserve seating they can call me at 604-721-0872,” Schultz said.
And musicians who feel they would fit the venue, or others who want to suggest a performer, are encouraged to contact him at rrschultz@shaw.ca
