I'm writing tonight from a coffee shop in Chicago. I'm in town for a conference for higher education professionals. I was eager to see and explore a new city - restaurants, art, architecture, music...

I decided that I would find an open mic and just show up, borrow someone's guitar, play, and meet some local musicians. It's always a pleasure to meet and greet the transient musicians in San Diego and I was looking forward to sharing my music with new faces, new culture, new energy.

I did some web research - "open mic chicago". I found a reputable website that listed all of the open mics by day of week and so I looked through all of my Wednesday night options. I made my selection by first eliminating all of the bars. Of the remaining options I eliminated any address outside the city limits. I decided on a place called Tea Essence. I was enthusiastic, believing the vibe would be the most appropriate for my style of music.

Fifteen dollars in cab fare later (one way) I arrive at Tea Essence. In all, there are two customers sitting in upholstered chairs atop a raised platform.  I approach the cashier/barista/tea maid with a puzzled look and announce that I'm here for the open mic (which begins in 8 minutes). There is no PA system, microphone or guitar in sight. She shakes her head and says that the open mic hasn't been active in over 6 months and audibly reminds herself that she needs to update the website. Apparently they haven't been able to keep a steady host and a steady crowd and the open mic sort of fizzled off (along with their content management responsibilities).

I took advantage of the free wifi (a rarity in Chicago) and used the last 2 hours as an opportunity to grade my math class' final papers and write my first blog in what feels like at least a year.

Maybe the deterioration of the open mic scene isn't just a San Diego phenomenon. 

Oh well :-(

Now I'm off to go hail a cab.