The Intrepid Traveler Coffee Bar, located at 121 W. Broad St. in Cookeville, offers musicians, poets, artists and anyone interested, a chance to perform from 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday to a live audience. “It’s something we enjoy and everyone else can enjoy, too,” owner René Albert said. “It offers those in the community a chance to showcase their talent, and it also helps bring in some business.”
The honor of organizing the open mic night was recently bestowed upon local musician Warren Gently. Gently has headlined the Hippie Jack festival in Crawford, TN, and has performed in venues across the country.
“I enjoy doing it,” Gently said. “I have all of this PA equipment, so it’s something I can do to contribute. Playing in front of people has always been fun, and it’s also nice to hear some local talent.”
Among those that have performed are Dale and Kris Ballinger, formerly of the bluegrass group, the Cluster Pluckers, local musician Jack Sallee, and Warren Gently.
The next opportunity to perform at the Intrepid Traveler is this Friday at 7 p.m. Those interested will have the opportunity to sign up, no try-outs necessary. Performers can sign up by calling the Intrepid Traveler at (931)372-7564 before 6:30 p.m. The organizers do urge that all acts be appropriate for listeners of all ages.
