This is my little utopia. I love music, and really love live music. Music, food, and some sort of exercise has kept me happy and connected to people since before I was a teenager. The other part of The Open Matt is for Music and social connection. Great stage, great sound, great space. I keep myself surrounded by the things I love. Thus, The Open Matt.
I began martial arts around 5 and music around age 11. The two things balance each other out, and I don’t think I’ve wanted to do anything else since. Perhaps the occasional impulse to juggle, or tap dance, a motorcycle race here or there, but I really hold strong to Music and Martial arts practice. I’ve seen countless bands and have toured internationally as a songwriter since about 1996. I’m happy to offer up a space that can encourage originality and honesty in art. Something new, something fearless. This is the job of the songwriter. To be honest… of course there’s the old guy that writes for the 15 year old pop singer… that guy’s probably not looking to play a gig here anyway.
I was a martial artist health nut in clubs, out there playing all night with busted knees, a fat lip, and sore from training or a tournament I was just in earlier that day. Then I’d get up on stage and perform as people danced and drank all night. There was always an isolation being on stage, then they connect with your music… now we’re together again. Then as the night goes on I’m the only sober person in the room and I just want to touch my toes. I started house shows to bring the debauchery down a bit from the world of late night Rock and Punk clubs. Solo performances, and then collaborations as a songwriter with other performers. Getting to sing and harmonize and connect again. I wouldn’t have left the house much if it wasn’t for music.
This format of a small, great sounding space with plenty of parking and room to relax and listen… this is how I want to see music. There is no music industry anymore there are now opportunities for songwriters to meet their fans, and for fans to meet the artists they support. I was inspired by rockstars, but nothing was as important to me as getting to meet and talk to artists in my community that were working and also willing to share more than just a 50 minute set.
email me for booking or to get updates on events.
here’s the view from our awesome stage during the day prior to hanging my trapeze down there on the floor.
