Maroon Bros Hosts Open Mic Night

by Liam Higgins

A local pub and grill is holding open mic nights for musicians to come and perform.

The Maroon Bros’ Pub and Grill located at 39 Chatham St. E, holds their open mic nights every Thursday at 10 pm. The non-profit event draws reoccurring crowds as well as new faces and local talents that come to play music.

Hosts of the event Cody Howard, 22 and Connor Allard, 21, have held the open mic nights for the past five months. After visiting various downtown open mics, Howard said the idea came easily to him and Allard to do something of their own. Howard said he feels it’s a place where musicians can go to feel comfortable.
“It’s a place where they can go to practice new songs that they haven’t played in front of a large crowd or any sort of venue yet,” said Howard. “It’s just there so that people who love music can share their creativity with others.”

Colton Young, 22, is a local musician who plays professionally. He said he feels the Maroon Bros’ were partially responsible for him becoming a professional musician. Despite his busy schedule, Young said he still finds time to play the open mic whenever possible.
“Just whenever I have time,” said Young. “I’m usually busy five to six nights a week playing for a living.”

Howard said open mic night has been a great way for him to alleviate his frustration and stress from school and hopes to keep it going throughout his years at university. “I have six more years of university,” said Howard. “I’ll be damn lucky if I can keep all six of those years at the Maroon Bros’.”

CUTLINE: Conor Allard, 21, performs an original song during open mic night at the Maroon Bros’ Pub and Grill Thursday Jan. 17.