Attention Aspiring Musicians: MoFiddles Wants You (Maybe)

In the six years since it opened on the second floor of the Town Center shopping mall, has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of bluegrass, jazz and blues.

By day, the space is the sumptuous location of the showroom, but at night , an acclaimed “underground” arts space featuring concerts and jam sessions.

One of the venue’s signature events is its monthly nights. (The next one is scheduled for Thursday, April 5.) But unlike at a lot of similar events, the open mic at MoFiddles comes with its own set of ironclad rules – and woe to the musician who doesn’t follow them.

“I’m Mean Mo,” said owner , who carries on the business her father started years ago in Santa Fe, NM. “We look for a higher calibre of player here.  Not just anyone should get up and play.”

Some of the rules include: no mention of religion or politics, and no use of the “N” or the “F” words. Also, it is wise to follow the old Boy Scout motto and be prepared. Menzel said musicians should know their music well and have practiced it thoroughly before getting on stage. “Don’t try to wing it,” she said.

Menzel acknowledges she can be tough, but said true musicians appreciate the sense of order.

It all stems from a love of the music, and a true desire for musicians to rise to the occasion. “I make them suffer,” she said, “but it’s because I want them to be as good as they can be.” 

The music world has taken notice of the high quality of the musicians who play MoFiddles. Recently, the TV program Inside Edition came to film a performance by the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys, the newest “it” banjo group. Comprised of the three Mizzone brothers – nine-year-old banjo picker Jonny, 13-year-old Robbie on fiddle and 14-year-old Tommy on guitar – the group has garnered worldwide acclaim and appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman and The Today Show.

What is less known is that the trio got their start at MoFiddles. “We were the first place they played,” said Menzel.  After hearing them, she hooked them up with “some folks in Nashville,” and the rest is history.

Open Mic nights at the club are the first Thursday of every month. On April 5, Menzel said she expects a few music teachers to be in the audience. Other than that, the crowd varies each month and can range from 25 people on up. “You never know who is going to show up,” Menzel said.

Aspiring musicians, take note: Menzel said she is currently seeking some fresh, artistic new talent, “someone who needs a break and has already put a lot of work into it.” Come if you dare – but make sure you’ve had plenty of practice first.