It was the last time at The Fox. This weekly meeting...this weekly tradition (even after just a little more than a year) was happening in this place just once more.

Certainly, my social life, my music and even my podcast all gained benefit from Patrick Maloney's finesse at hosting and sustaining the classic open mic format in the Preview Bar of the restored Fox Theater. With the help of audio engineer extraordinaire and all-around good guy Andy Gay, Patrick curated a weekly event that brought out the best of Riverside music from all genres, ages and eras. It was a place to hear new performers, make new friends and forge new musical alliances.

Now it was Monday, May 18th 2015. We celebrated, confident in community but unsure what might be next.

Now we're almost to July and beyond some hopeful reports from Pat there's still a real empty space for most of us on Monday nights. I had high hopes that Live Nation would see the goodwill value of this thing. When I set up a couple of microphones in the lobby the night of the 18th I did get the "once over" more than a few times from the LN suit who was working late. So sorry, but I was determined to document the stories of this community happening in this historic house. I've lost more than a modicum of respect for the corporate style of venue management. How about a little more respect for Riversiders, Live Nation?

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to talk:

I know I missed a lot of you. I know you're all keeping this as close to your heart as I am. I also know a lot of you are out there forging forward in Riverside...carving out spaces in new venues and spreading this fire around. This is what it's all about!

Thank you, Patrick, for giving opportunity to The Sedans, (actual size), The Dangers and all the other configurations I played with on your stage. Thank you also for your continued support (and participation in) Hey Riverside.

In my best Buzzsaw impression: It is my distinct honor to present to you my conversations with some of the stars of the Riverside Open Mic stage and audience...

- Ralph from Riverside