John Locke: Music, Storytelling, Education, and Emcee for all occasions in the Columbus Ohio area.

John Locke

An Englishman Abroad

"We are born, then we die. Let's have a laugh in between."

Papa Joe's
20 Cromley St
Ashville
Ohio 43103
Tel: (740) 983-6100

Open Mic Night

Every Thursday
Sign up from 6:30 pm ends at 9 ish

Means you can go to work next day not feeling like a wet rag.

MC John Locke

The common thread in John’s work is that he is in front of an audience. That is when he is at his best. From a light hearted banquet presentation to top executives, to storytelling in local schools, he excels at bringing his audience alive and making them feel part of the event.

The Open Mic Night he runs at the Papa Joe's is no exception. This is a family owned music bar well know throughout Ohio for it’s music and excellent home cooking. It has a stage and top of the line sound system. Professional artists are encouraged to sign their names on the wall at the back of the stage. A quick glance reveals that all the top Ohio performers have paid a visit at some time. There are also autographed photo’s of many international performers hung around the room.

What makes this place special are the owners and the staff. They create a very friendly atmosphere bought about because they take the time to get to know you. They are all music lovers and have just as good a time as the patrons. Then there is the food. Oh My. Don’t take my word for it because you would not believe me how good it is. Go there and try it for yourself.

Open Mic Nights can differ, depending on who is running the night. Some are run on strict regimented grounds where performers will be chastised for overrunning their time. John has a different view. Flexibility and encouragement are the aim, in his view it is an opportunity for musical networking, for musicians to get together, to collaborate and to encourage new performers.

The Open Mic has been running since the beginning of September and has gone from strength to strength. New friendships have been formed there are lots of good hearted banter and some of the regulars have now formed new groups. It has become a wonderful opportunity for professional performers to practice their new material, for singer songwriters to put their work in front of an audience and for new performers to get up on stage and give it a go, encouraged and advised by the seasoned performers. Often a well established performer will go on stage with a beginner to give then encouragement. The whole emphasis is on good music, good food and a friendly atmosphere.

So how do you go about being a member of the audience, a performer or enjoy the good food. Easy. Just take a trip down Rt23 to South Bloomfield and turn left at McDonalds and you go straight into Ashville. The address and contact information is below. Also enjoy the photographs.