The Round House Cafe began it’s monthly open mike night tonight, they hope to do this once a month, Maria and I got there late, just in time to catch my friend Scott Carrino, the co-owner of the cafe, singe the last of three songs that he has written. The cafe was jammed with people, the Round House has become a focal point of the community.

It was wonderful to see Scott perform, he is a lyricist as well as a singer, not always comfortable sharing his work. A coming out for him, and a beautiful one. There were about a dozen performers, I am told, a string band, a banjo player, some singers. There is a strong community in Cambridge.

The Round House Cafe is one of two restaurants sharing the same block in Cambridge, the Country Gals Cafe down the street, each popular both different from one another. I have not been to many open mike nights, not since I was living in Greenwich Village, and I am always struck at the bravery of some people, who just overcome their anxiety and share their work with the world. Good for them.