The Show Must Go On at Hill Street Cafe

Each Thursday evening, rain or shine, the outside patio of attracts a vast group of eclectic local musicians for open mic night.

“We’ve even held it in the rain before where everyone is holding umbrellas,” said Ray Ream, who hosts and coordinates the weekly event with friend and fellow musician Jeff Diamond.  “This place is kind of like a second home to a lot of people.”

The cozy atmosphere of the yellow, Victorian-style house off South Coast Highway definitely pulls you in, quickly making you feel like you're part of the family.

And a good family it is, complete with pretty waitresses, friendly patrons, and even a few celebrities.

“You never know who might show up,” Ream said.

Jason Mraz, who owns an avocado farm in Oceanside, is a fan of the avocado burrito and occasionally comes to charm the crowd with his popular tunes. Other well-known locals who have made appearances include Scott Russo of the band Unwritten Law, and pro surfer Rob Machado.

Customers relaxed on the back patio of the restaurant, paved with brick, and lined with lush green vines. Palm trees swayed above, with the white, dusky sky serving as the backdrop. Heat lamps kept one feeling snug and warm as the moon rose. It was almost fairy-tale like.

The organic menu boasted dishes like the famous avocado burrito, sweet chili tofu wrap, and a “free range zone,” featuring an assortment of chicken platters. Local beer like Stone Pale Ale, Carlsbad Chronic and Oceanside Aleworks pair nicely with the locally grown and healthy food.

The show starts around 6:30 p.m. in the summer months, and averages more than 30 audience members and 10 performers each night.

Newcomers are greeted with a round of applause.

Guitar and piano solos, poems, spoken word and even some ballads by 73-year-old Chuck Cashmere are welcomed.

Cashmere, from San Marcos, stops by at least once a month. He sang a few songs off his CD, I Am Legend—A Tribute To Our Military, and even handed some free copies out to his listeners.

He made the album a few years ago in Nashville with money out of his own pocket.

“I just appreciate what the guys have done,” Cashmere said gravely. “Every penny I make off this CD goes back to the military. I even pay for the postage stamps.”

Since retiring five years ago, he’s had more time to concentrate on his music.

“I’m footloose and fancy free,” he laughed.

He has participated in 130 open mic nights since March of last year, but calls Hill Street Café one of his favorites because “people at an intimate setting like this really listen to you.”

Towards the end of the night, as Ream announced yet another talented musician, an audience member yelled up that it was her 47th birthday. Suddenly a lot of beautiful voices came together, singing, to wish our new friend a happy birthday. You couldn’t help but feel the love.

And maybe that’s why the show must always go on. The mellow vibe, hip atmosphere, and friendly people. Oceanside residents need their weekly fix.

It does feel like home.