Noted Vancouver musician storyteller, TJ, has been performing at open mic nights across town for years. An ever joyful and fulfilling experience hit an unexpectedly sour note during the summer at a local club. This particular establishment shall remain nameless at TJ’s request, as she is not one to be purposely distasteful and they most certainly do not deserve any free publicity after the shockingly disturbing treatment they dished out to one of BC’s most talented performers and her friends.
Accompanied by her musician buddy Rod and her New York City based Publicist, Lisa, TJ took a booth in the back. For no apparent reason, the trio was repeatedly ignored by the waitstaff. Ninety minutes later, TJ took the stage without having had any liquid to lubricate her vocal chords. After two numbers, she took the opportunity to ask for a drink and mentioned that she and her friends, having not been served since they arrived, could really use some drinks. She made this request in a tongue in cheek manner, coming from a kind place and good intention, “I would like to dedicate that song to the lovely waitresses. We got here an hour and a half ago and we haven’t been served yet (chuckle) I know two people in the back booth that would really appreciate some drinks.” Her tone was humorous and the audience was visibly amused. Not so for management, as a weenie of a man “claiming” to be the owner immediately rushed the stage, told TJ to pack up her gear and get out. He added that she was being forever “banned” from the bar. Talk about an extreme reaction to an innocent and perfectly justified comment. It was after all an “open” mic. If said establishment wishes to control every comment made, perhaps they should advertise the evenings as “closed” mic nights. Anyone who knows TJ knows that she is one of the kindest souls in Vancouver with an impeccable reputation. Had the floor staff been attentive to all their customers, such a request would not have been necessary.