B.B. Rover's open mic Sundays (a.k.a. "Jollyville City Limits," a.k.a. "the longest continually running open mic in Austin") are no more. Co-owner David Patrick Dunn introduced live music to Rovers approximately three decades ago, and yesterday he presented its last open mic night, a special, daylong event from noon to 10 PM.

Twenty-four acts played 20- to 30-minute sets before a large crowd who came to share this end-of-an-era extravaganza and to reminisce about their fondest BBR memories. Fittingly, Dunn played the final songs on the stage that he built. After we put away the mics, stands, and cables, I turned out the stage lights for the last time.
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Yesterday marked the end of an important chapter in my life, a chapter that started in bitter sadness with Sheri's passing, six years ago to the day. Rover's open mics provided me with a sort of grief therapy, a reason to get out of the house, to mingle with people, and eventually to play music professionally. Through Rover's open mics, I have met an amazing array of musicians, singers, songwriters, and music lovers, and I'm extremely grateful to each of them for their camaraderie, support, and insight over the years.

The Trio had a pretty good gig last night at Georgetown's Uptown Social Club; however, I later discovered that I left my main harmonica case there. I feel incredibly STUPID for doing that. Now I have about $300 worth of harps to replace, and our tips were nowhere near that good.