Anyone who’s been to Chrystal Hartigan’s monthly open mikes at Broward Center for the Performing Arts surely knows that she has a knack for attracting talented local singer-songwriters.
That’s all the reason one needs to check out a new weekly event that she and singer-songwriter Dr. Bob Mitchell will launch tonight at 11th Street Annex Café in Fort Lauderdale. The joint venture came together in just a few days after Mitchell’s Hours of Acoustic Power overflowed its designated time slot at Luna Star Cafe for the second Friday in a row and he realized he needed a venue that could offer a more expandable time slot.
So he sent out a mass e-mail to that effect and 30 minutes later Hartigan responded that she knew ofa venue near downtown Fort Lauderdale that would be perfect. So he met with Chrystal and the café’s owners Jonny and Penny and the resulting new Hours of Acoustic Power and ensuing open mic will take place tonight at 11th Street Annex Café in Fort Lauderdale.
The café, which the two sisters have been running for eight years, offers beer, wine and veggie and non-veggie food selections and has a patio filled with plants, spices and herbs. The evening kicks off with Hours of Acoustic Power, which runs 7-9 p.m. and continues with an open mic that runs until 11 p.m. or midnight depending on the turnout.
The directions: Take I-95 to Davie Boulevard East (toward the ocean), then drive about a mile east and just past the railroad tracks. Take a left on Andrews Avenue. Drive 2 blocks, until you arrive at the Channel 7 WSVN building at 11th Street. Turn left and the cafe is half a block down where there’s plenty of free parking. No cover.
Hartigan’s expecting singer, songwriter and guitarist Alex Nelson(pictured here) and other talented musicians from the songwriters showcases and the Luna Star open mikes. For more info on 11th Street Annex, check out the café’s website at Twouglysisters.com.
Hartigan’s monthly showcases will continue at Broward Center for the Performing Arts on the second Monday of each month, except in September when there is a scheduling conflict.
Photo credit: Donna Paul
