The microphone’s hum filled the dimly lit room as coffee cups clacked in the background.  Subdued voices shushed as the woman’s words captured unsuspecting patrons transporting us to a different time and place.  Vivid descriptions and a velvet voice lifted us into this woman’s world.

My visit to this lovely place left me longing for more as she skillfully set us back into our seats at the Café Aromas on Main. Horse’s hooves clopped down the cobblestone street of this beautifully quaint town as lights twinkled outside the plate glass windows.

A handsome young man took the microphone next and delightfully captured my attention once more.  Sharing dreams of his future with the utter abandon of one unmarred by the bitterness that can creep over unsuspecting souls blinding them to possibilities.

The evening drew to a close after many dreams, joys, heartbreaks, and memories were shared with friends and strangers alike.   Some folks drank every word as a delicious brew in their cups. Others sipped a little and wandered into the sweltering heat of a Mississippi summer night perhaps looking for a band playing down the street.

The twists and turns of life brought me from Columbus, Miss. once more to Picayune and my beautiful children nearby.  However, I brought with me the taste of new experiences and a desire to see such activities in my hometown.

Over lunch one day I spoke to the proprietor of Sweet Serenity Café’ of my pleasant experience with Open Mic Night in Columbus and how I longed for something of that nature here.  Fortunately for us all, Cindy Sanders caught the vision for an open mic night of her own.

Cindy opened her establishment here eight years ago and has been faithfully serving this city with her delicious creations and warm, bubbly personality ever since.  Cindy said, “I love Picayune and her people.  I’m proud to be a member of this community.”

Tomorrow night, Friday May 30 at 6 p.m. the Café will welcome members of the community to share for up to five minutes.  Poets, storytellers, and musicians are invited to share your talent with Picayune.  It is going to be a good time so come out and join the fun.  Don’t worry about eating at home; Cindy will have a full menu available.

If you are not prepared to take the mic this time, don’t fret.  Come have a bite, and enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Cindy plans to host open mic night the last Friday of each month.

How exciting to see our city grow with new opportunities for it’s resident’s to spend their leisure time at home.

Grace Booth, author and Royal Writer’s leader will be reading “Words to Dance to”.  Doug Booth, another talented writer will be sharing a charming story from his childhood. Lilly Durnin, seven-year-old granddaughter of Patricia and Kenny Davis of Picayune will be sharing along with numerous others. Sweet Serenity Café plans a family friendly evening. No profanity or sexually explicit material will be allowed.

 

By Jan Penton Miller