Banff, Alberta
Most open microphone nights I visit tend to be the equivalent of a karaoke night. People who can’t sing get up and ‘sing’ Neil Young songs to the point where it will just never be the same again. Well, Bruno’s Bar in Banff is a little different. As soon as you walk in, you can tell that this is going to be a little more professional. As well as the usual semi acoustic guitar, there were electrics, bongos and a full drum kit. The manager Gary warmed up the expectant crowd with a few songs as the beers began to flow in one of Banff’s best little bars.
There really is a level of expertise involved in this night all the way from the instruments to the set up. At least there was until your very own Banff Insider drank one too many beers and decided to get up and take the power of guitar and microphone. Before I knew what was happening, we had recruited a drummer and bongo player and between the crowd and the drums in the background, I could hardly hear a thing. This could probably be considered a good thing. Nonetheless my 10 minutes of “fame” was highly enjoyable and anyone who wants is welcome to get up and do what they can on mike.
The rest of the bands kept the crowd dancing and with specials on the price of jugs of beer, the energy wasn’t going to slow down anytime soon. When you vacation in Banff, the best thing to do is stop and ask a local if there is anything special going on that night. There is always a special whether it be for a cheap meal or terrible Banff Insiders on the microphone. If you fancy releasing your own musical juices, come along to Bruno’s every Wednesday.