For over a decade, the Cumbrian Arms Neighbourhood Pub has offered the microphone to anyone willing to belt out a tune.
Now in its 11th year, the Cumbrian Arms has been voted as the best place in Cochrane for an open jam/open mic night in the Cochrane Eagle’s Best Of Cochrane survey.
Hosted by Larry Wackershauser, the pub’s open mic night is held every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until whenever the music stops.
“Some nights can be hit or miss,” said Wackershauser, adding that the April 16 event was ‘staggering room only.’
Taking over after the first year from Gerd Krause, who initially launched the event, Wackershauser not only hosts, but also opens the open mic nights with his own jam, usually with an outlaw country offering.
Those who step behind the microphone are provided some stellar backup if they so require, usually a bass guitar in addition to a banjo, fiddle and other instruments depending on the evening.
“We welcome anybody and everybody,” said Wackershauser, who highlighted a past visit from Tony Michael of the Foggy Minded Mountain Boys, a Canadian bluegrass band.
Wackershauser admitted that he was not always confident the open mic night would be a success, but as time passed, and the jams began to carry on into the night, the Cumbrian Arms, a small neighbourhood pub, built a reputation that travelled outside Cochrane to Calgary, Water Valley and Bragg Creek.
“It’s quite well known,” said Wackershauser. “It’s amazing it has gone on this long.”
The pub held its 10th anniversary jam on Sept. 22, 2012, which was hosted by originator Krause and packed the English-style watering hole.
Owned by Cathy Currie, the Cumbrian Arms thrives on a crowd of loyal patrons and strives to offer a friendly, homelike atmosphere for all who visit.
Aside from being named the best place for an open jam, Cumbrian Arms bartender Sally Curnow received the silver medal in the best bartender category.
The next open mic night will be April 30, and held each Tuesday of the week.
The Cumbrian Arms is located at 57 West Aarsby Rd.
