Sometimes a little bit of magic is made accidentally when people gather hoping for more than might be planned. Magic was made at the Third Avenue Playhouse on Saturday, February 28 when twenty-seven local artists came out to participate in an open stage event. A crowd of at least fifty non-performers supported musicians and poets and many stayed on late into the night as the five-hour event finally concluded after midnight. Young and old showed up, from teenage bands to seasoned older professionals, all gathered, performed, and appreciated each other’s efforts. The players demonstrated a broad spectrum of talent and brought to the open stage the true intent of such an event -- check your ego at the door and just play!

One of the evening’s highlights was the debut performance of the Sevastopol teen rockers “Insane Thought.” The band, according to lead vocalists and guitar player Nathan Mandel, was born from an English class project. “Tonight we’re guidance counselors! Yeah, that’s right, guidance counselors!” The fifteen-year old Mandel growled into the microphone. Alicia Patzo opened their one song performance with her bass, and Markie McCoy strummed grunge revival styled electric guitar while Kal Kelly kept the beat with his drums. The song brought to mind a young Lou Reed as Mandel spoke and sang around a young meandering rock-driven rhythm. Poets Margaret Magle, Gary Peterson and Mary Durlin gave pause to the audience as the spoke their words between the pop, rock and folk variations the musicians performed. Folk singer Matt Olson sang his very funny going to Iraq talking blues tune. Bubble and Squeak cellist Dean Langby joined Jana Holland on several duet originals, and instrumentalist Christopher Thorp got the guitar strings buzzing on his instrumental tribute to “Every song I know in the key of E.” Washington Island banjoist Pete Daniels, singer/songwriter Josh Fisher, Tom Mulinix, Bobby Mueller, Jake Lardinois, Billy Ruska and Niko, Rob Gay, Erich Herbst all performed their songs.

“We have seen a lot of talent here tonight, really great talent!” Earl Thomas Shabatt of Ephraim said as he took the stage at 11 pm. Shabatt, who has a new album titled “Sugar” coming out this spring graced the crowd with two powerful original numbers.

Another standout during the evening was Sam Lozoff. His open-tuned drone-style guitar complemented his emotional tenor voice that has hints of Chris Isaak-like desperation that merges with alternative underground rock opera undertones. Lozoff’s performance was perhaps the most original of the evening, and listeners seeking a departure from the normal should pay attention to this singer/songwriter.

Ryan Moreno got into his two original tunes with his whole body, and the crowd followed. This young and talented singer/songwriter with his Chicago blues roots and quality pop-rock sensibilities can really make his guitar sing. His heart-driven vocals move his insightful lyrics out to every one of every age. This guy is another one to watch.

Clan-O-McFitzpatrick took the stage, bringing on the talents of Sevastopol’s Andy Coffou on the bodhran, Brent Edward on the penny whistle and Ian MacMillan on the fiddle. Their three songs incited clapping and cheering in characteristic Irish music fashion.

The evening closed with three blues/jazz numbers performed by accomplished pianist Keys. Keys, who only recently moved to Door County, has played many of the biggest stages of the world, and the other musicians were reminded through Keys’ performance that we do this for the music and for the heart. His skill and adeptness at presenting original interpretations of piano compositions clinched the magic for the open stage evening.

Clips from the Open Stage will be aired during March and April on WBDK’s 96.7 “Door Notes” radio show on Wednesdays after the 5 pm news. The musicians all appreciated the TAP volunteers, who worked hard all night to bring on the community’s music.