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| Playing at an open mic in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn |
I've written about my local pub's open mic before (see here), but I think a follow up is warranted.
Thursdays at 8:00PM have become a constant in my life. It's when I show up at Kitty's, greet the regulars, and jot my name down on the sign-in sheet, which fills up quick. Tardy artists might have to wait until midnight to play, if at all.
This past Thursday, I played some lighthearted swing tunes, with accompaniment from my friend John on the cajon. For those who don't know, the cajon is a drum that you sit on. For the price of a Guinness, John will be your percussion section for 10-minutes. He busted out the brushes for my two tunes.
This is my third place, and everyone needs one.
Third places, to reiterate, are casual, socially-leveling places outside of home and work. They are a respite from life's obligations. What's needed of you: a loose, easygoing disposition and a willingness to shoot the breeze with others.
You can't be reticent in a third place. I mean, you can, but you'd be missing out on what makes a third place a third place.
Being that I've become rather prolific in the area of loneliness and social isolation, people often ask me: "what is the prescription for the loneliness epidemic?"
My response: "Look to see what your community has to offer."
More often than not, there will be a Facebook page for your town. Or perhaps someone has a blog with listings for nearby events.
In Bay Ridge, we have a helpful site called Queen of the Click, written by a "Bay Ridge resident who makes lists and watches politicians." Want to know the goings-on in Bay Ridge? Queen of the Click is the site to check out. Every locality ought to have one.
We're lucky to have such a helpful tool here. Every town, though, will have some resources that can be utilized. You just have to be proactive.
Try things. Some will stick; some won't. The key is exploration.
So, what are you waiting for? Go find your third place.
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