The front of the Bus Stop Music Cafe in Pitman, NJ
I went to Pitman to find out what the Bus Stop Music Cafe was all about. I was told it was great and boy was I told right.
The deatils:
- Every Tuesday starting at 7pm.
- Located at 148 S. Broadway in Pitman, NJ
- Hosted by Vick Martinson
Host Vick Martinson at the Bus Stop Music Cafe in Pitman
The bares bones truth is that this open mic rocks. I say that fully knowing how cliche that sounds on an open mic blog, but that’s just the way it is. I highly recommend the Bus Stop Music Cafe. I place it in the same league as the Barrington Coffee House, which I reviewed earlier this year. There must be something about the area!
So where do you start when you’ve already built something up so much? Probably with a picture of the inside:
The inside of the Bus Stop Music Cafe is lined with records
And while this photo serves more as a testament to the event’s popularity, it also gives us a glimpse at the inside. The Bus Stop Music Cafe has the same kind of cool feel that Coffee.Comedy in Sea Isle City has, which is a very good thing.
I’d like to also note that there were people of all ages, and everyone was very talented!
Outside of having a great crowd and a cool inside, the Bus Stop Music Cafe’s open mic night has a dedicated soundman. His name is “Wolfman Fran”, which is just as awesome as the idea of a dedicated sound-guy at an open mic. There’s not much more to explain other than the fact that he did a great job. Oh, and he turns out echo when Vick announces someone. “Hereeeeeeeee’s Joe!”
Wolfman Fran keeping everything under control
(The Bus Stop is also holding it’s own with a very nice Bose speaker setup. Definitely a treat.)
Let’s review:
- Packed event - don’t worry about showing up to three people, because it’s a well known night.
- Cool environment – if the walls don’t make you play more soulfully, it’s your own fault.
- Dedicated sound guy – Because you’re tired of listening to “Can you hear my voice? Is my guitar too loud?“
I should be getting paid for this kind of thing! But seriously everybody, check out the Bus Stop Music Cafe on Tuesdays, it’s a great time.
(And don’t forget: You can download a print-friendly list of open mics! It includes this one and is ALWAYS up-to-date. Get it here: http://jerseymic.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/loom.pdf)
Related posts:
- Review of the Bus Stop Music Cafe on Thursdays in Pitman, NJ
- Review: The Treehouse Cafe Christian Open Mic in Audubon, NJ
- Review: Malelani Cafe Open Mic in Ventnor, NJ (with updates)
- Review: Sherlock’s Books & Cafe Thursday night open mic
- Review: Red Bank Music Community’s Open Mic on Tuesdays in Red Bank, NJ
#1 by Bus Stop Music Cafe on July 31, 2009 - 5:54 pm
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Thanks for the glowing review! We’re glad you enjoyed yourself – and we enjoyed having you. Great set on Tuesday! Hope you come our way again sometime soon!
#2 by JerseyMic on July 31, 2009 - 6:10 pm
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Not a problem, it was a really incredible venue!
#3 by Max Bailey on August 13, 2009 - 4:30 pm
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I agree with you on all points but there’s a serious problem with the Bus Stop’s proceedure that’s kept me from going back. They allow sign ups in advance and you can arrive at 7:00 and the list has 15 or 20 names on it and none of the musicians have even arrived.
#4 by JerseyMic on August 13, 2009 - 5:22 pm
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Wow Max, that’s a pretty rough move on their part. I didn’t notice any problem, as there was maybe one person who wasn’t there when they called his name. I could definitely see why you wouldn’t be excited to go back though!
#5 by Max Bailey on August 13, 2009 - 5:48 pm
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Yeah, I think it’s one of the fundamentals of open mics. For one thing if you have to be there to sign up at a certain time it makes you part of the audience.
I don’t mean to trash anybody, I know Fran and some of the other regulars but I’ve driven there a couple of times and the list was full and the performers hadn’t arrived yet…It’s just not a good arrangement.
#6 by JerseyMic on August 13, 2009 - 5:54 pm
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I had a pretty awesome time and would definitely (read: [i]will[/i] definitely) include it in a “Top x” list. Maybe you can try to call ahead next time?
#7 by paul on September 9, 2009 - 9:55 am
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Checked out the open mike last night based on your reccommendation and found it to be a good experience. Vick seems like a good guy and the people playing were all considerate of each other. I played poorly and didn’t get the sound I wanted but it didn’t seem to matter as everyone’s there just to have a good time. I would reccommend the place even if you just want to sit and listen as there’s plenty of room and it’s laid out well.
#8 by JerseyMic on September 9, 2009 - 8:12 pm
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Thanks Paul for going out and trusting my review
It’s definitely pretty laid back and I met some great people while I was there. Feel free to write up your own impression if you’d like. A “reader perspective”, if you will.
#9 by Bus Stop Music Cafe on June 4, 2010 - 6:10 pm
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A note to Max: We have never accepted advance sign-ups or call-ins. The list is out at 6PM, so we have had people that sign up and disappear with the intention of coming back. I don’t care for that kind of stuff either and it rarely happens. Sorry that you were turned off by it, it’s not part of our normal procedure. I hope we see you around again sometime soon!
#10 by Michael on May 2, 2011 - 9:00 am
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Sounds like a cool place to hangout for nice evening out. Is it better than Barrington Coffee House?
#11 by JerseyMic on May 2, 2011 - 10:58 am
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Barrington had better sound and a really high bar for entry. Bus Stop was fun and friendly too, but I’d probably choose Barrington if you don’t mind being a little cramped (it’s small.)