Cousin Larry’s open mic, welcoming musicians since 2004

The comedian Mitch Hedberg was known to do entire standup routines with his eyes

Darian Cunning at Cousin Larry’s open mic - Photo by Amanda Bloom closed behind dark sunglasses, the mic shaking in his hands as he trembled from intense stage fright. Singer Chan Marshall, aka Cat Power, used to play shows with her back to the audience or abruptly walk off stage in the middle of a set, or sometimes a song. Making art isn’t easy, but what is even more difficult is the act of performing what you’ve created in front of a group of people that you don’t know, especially for the first time.

This is what makes an open mic so important for the up-and-coming musician– it provides an environment where there are little to no expectations placed on the performer. If you suck, nobody is going to mind; in fact, they’ll probably applaud your bravery. If you do not suck, an audience with low expectations is far easier to impress. But even an open mic can be intimidating, especially when it’s located in Danbury – a city highly praised by indie music legends and well known for its myriad bands.

So when I set out on my first trip to Cousin Larry’s open mic, I expected an uphill battle – primarily with myself and whatever perceived flaws I would inevitably find in my performance – but also against the discerning tastes of a crowd of accomplished musicians. But my expectations were almost immediately proven ill-inspired upon walking in the door.

The first person I saw was Jeff Goreson, host of Larry’s open mic. Goreson is a longhaired dude with a pleasant way about him. He was waiting for people to sign up, at the far end of the bar, and when he saw the guitar slung over my back, he reached out his hand, welcomed me to the open mic and immediately made me feel at home. Within minutes, I had met the bartender, the sound guy and every regular within a 10-foot radius.

During our conversation and later in a phone interview, I discovered a bit more about the open mic at Cousin Larry’s. It began six years ago when Goreson arrived in Danbury after living in various places around the country. He approached Larry’s management about getting some music together, and two weeks later, the first open mic commenced under Gorseon’s able tutelage.

Since then, Larry’s has only foregone the open mics which have fallen on a national holiday, a fact that is a matter of great pride for Jeff, whose personal attachment and involvement with Larry’s Monday nights runs deep: “You want people to feel welcome, whether there are five people in the room or a hundred people,” Goreson said. “There’s a big difference between playing your guitar in your bedroom to your girlfriend and being on stage. And even though it’s not a full gig, the lights are on you and you feel nervous. I started doing spoken word at the Acoustic Cafe [in Bridgeport] when I lived above it years ago. I loved the diversity of music there. I wanted that to happen at Larry’s.”

Cousin Larry’s, located at the corner of Main Street and Elm Street, bears an entrance similar to the mouth of a cave, with posters for upcoming shows pinned to the outside like primordial drawings. The inside is a mash-up of Tim Burtonesque decor and typical sports bar dive–black walls, show posters and chessboard floors, contrasting gently with neon beer signs and a pool table. Larry’s numerous television screens might be broadcasting National Geographic, ESPN or The Simpsons at any given moment.

When it comes time to start the performances, Goreson personally introduces each performer. First to play was Jon Chapman, also the soundman for the night. Chapman plays guitar in the local carnival blues band, Joe Roberto and Poverty Hash and is an all-around guitar slinger on the Danbury music scene. He played three blues-laced acoustic tunes and sang with a voice reminiscent of a young Tom Waits. Later, Darian Cunning, a singer-songwriter from Bridgeport, impressed the crowd with his virtuosic guitar and soulful vocals. Diversity was the word for the evening, with other acts showcasing soulful rock, intricate Latin guitar, dark, grooving jams and spoken-word poetry. As the night rolled on, Goreson kept up his duties as host, introducing each performer, cracking jokes and keeping the mood light and positive.

Cousin Larry’s may not have the best sound system in the land or the world’s cleanest bathrooms, but it does have a host with “the most” – both the decency and the business savvy to pull off one of the most enjoyable open mics

I’ve been to in a while. And for the aspiring musicians in the Greater Danbury area, Monday nights should become your Sabbath, the day you come to bring what you’ve got to the table. I guarantee Jeff will be there to greet you, and even if you suck, there’s always the pool table.