Open mic, open minds
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on July 8, 2015 1:46 PM
Full Size
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Dexter Howell thanks the audience at Bad Dog Coffee Works after his performance June 26 during Open Mic Night. Howell shared his original songs "Woke Up in Love" and "Life is Good, Life is Sweet."
Full Size
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Madison Mooring, 16, recites "The Way It Sometimes Is," a poem by Henry Taylor, during Open Mic Night at Bad Dog Coffee Works.
Bad Dog Coffee Works begins to fill up at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday nights.
The worn couches are filled with young, hopeful faces.
It feels more like being in a friend's basement than a coffee shop. Neon lights and large stuffed animals provide a whimsical, comfy atmosphere for the performers.
The rules for Open Mic Night are simple: Express yourself.
Owner Parker Croom's shop is getting a reputation for being the "it" scene downtown. On Tuesday nights he hosts a comedy night, and Wednesdays On Wax allow customers to bring vinyls in.
"It's just the vibe (records) put out," he said. "It has that vintage sound, and I love it."
The music selection on Wednesdays ranges from Southern Rock to 1980s.
"I didn't know Lil Wayne made records; it's so diverse."
Thursdays Open Mic night is the most popular. It starts at 9 p.m. The night appeals to a wide age range.
By the time the first performer takes the mic, the living-room area holds more than 30 people. People whisper orders at the counter to avoid disrupting the performers.
The shop has been open for three months now. It is dog-friendly and idea-friendly.
"Everyone is great in their own way," Croom said. "I'm a big fan of people trying and conquering fears of the mic."
He hopes to continue adding new themes and events to the rotation. The Ice Storm owners and Croom are working on to set up a food cart outside so people can eat while watching.
He is also tossing around the idea of a beard contest.
"Three judges and whoever has the most fancy beard wins," he said.
He monitors the performers for vulgarity, flashing a bright light when they cross the line.
It's a family place.
Michah Woodard, 16, plays acoustic guitar and sings.
"I just sing, she's the talented one," he said, talking about Madison Mooring.
She does poetry readings for her performances.
On Thursday night, the 16-year-old did an interpretation of Henry Taylor's "The Way it Sometimes Is."
Croom says the most common mediums of performance are singing and poetry. Each week the crowd and performers evolve a little.
"I see different people rolling through," he said.
There is a core group of regulars.
"It's super diverse," Michah said. "It's a coffee shop, but it's a little underground, too."
Croom just wanted something different.
"We needed to bring some light to Goldsboro," he said. "People are so against each other. Here, they're able to play together and get people to talk and express themselves."
Dexter Howell, 29, frequents the open mic night to perform his original songs.
He has been writing songs since middle school, when he picked up acoustic guitar.
He has come often enough that people sing along quietly with him, a chorus of supporters.
His songs come from his personal experience or his avid people watching. He says he has filled too many notebooks to count.
He started playing at Bad Dog at the urging of a friend, but now he has made other friends that keep him coming back.
"I made friends with the owners, I count on them," he said. "Everyone is so humble, kind and accepting."