About Bonds

The Dayton House Café opens doors to Luther musicians

Date 3/3/2005 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & Culture

Normally quiet and low-key, the atmosphere at the Dayton House Café was turned up a notch during an open-mic night held on Tuesday, Feb. 22.

Backed by owner/chef Andy Shawver, and organized by employee Chris Dahl, the event brought in a deluge of students, both musicians and listeners.

Seven bands of varying compositions and musical styles played from 8 to11:30 p.m. Tuesday night. The bands received an incentive of a $50 gift certificate to the Dayton House, which went to the act with the best technical ability, crowd interaction and originality.

The winner, a solo act called The Galactic Space Fight Adventure 2005, was headed up by Luke Salzwedel ('06).

"I'm surprised I won," Salzwedel said. "Everyone was really good. Abbey Youth rocked."

Chris Dahl ('05), an employee at the Dayton House, explained the overall aim of the open-mic night.

"It's a pull to get a different crowd in the Dayton House," Dahl said. "I'd like to see students come and hang out here more often.

"We've got a bunch of great specials, a great atmosphere and we're open to the entire community. We're just offering something else fun to do in Decorah."

The music was played primarily on acoustic instruments including guitars, harmonicas, conga drums and other small percussion instruments.

Bands played an eclectic bunch of covers and originals. Folk ballads, Christian rock tunes, jamband standards, and 80's rock songs all showed up on the setlists. The pop category was represented with Nick Berge ('05) and Dain TePoel's ('05) cover of Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time."

The audience proved to be open to all the groups, enjoying the music of their friends as well as the other acts.

"I came to see Luke [Salzwedel] play, but I'm glad I came early to watch all the bands perform. I would come again," said Jill Eicher ('08).

John Meyer ('08) also enjoyed the show.

"We had a blast," Meyer said. "It's such a fun, laid back, cozy atmosphere. Everyone was here to listen to some good music."

Scott Meyer ('05), who performed with band mate Paul Myklebust ('05) said, "I thought it was great. I was impressed with all the bands."

Although the next date has not been set, Chris Dahl looks to continue offering open-mic nights.

When the weather improves, the Dayton House will open its courtyard, where they will have live music every Tuesday and Friday night.

Dahl also arranged to have Tuesday's entire show digitally recorded, mastered and burned onto a CD by his friend T.J. Jensen.

Jensen is a professional recording engineer attending the Institute of Production and Recording in Minneapolis, Minn.

All the groups that participated will get a free CD of the show and it will be made available to the public for a small fee.

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Nate Preus

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