3 Questions

Featuring a rotating lineup of guests, Ben Wright's Open Song Night at Second Street's Railyard location, has become a jewel box of musical talent. Balancing several projects, Wright looks forward to this Tuesday's installment.

It seems diversification is the name of the game for Santa Fe musicians. How many projects are you currently involved with?
Yeah, the diversity of my work is crucial not only to making ends meet in a small town but also to keeping things interesting for myself creatively. This past weekend was a good example: I spent all week working on the Meow Wolf show then got psychedelic playing the music of the Grateful Dead with Detroit Lightning on Friday night then a Saturday set with Joe West in Taos, followed by a late night CD release party for my new electronic album as Mi.

What was the series' genesis?
Second Street Brewery asked me to host the open mic night a little over a year ago, and though I was hesitant at first, it has turned out to be one of the most gratifying and inspiring nights in my calendar.

What has been the most memorable performance so far?
There are too many memorable performances to pick a favorite, but I especially love when young kids get up to perform. Then there was this super edgy flamenco guitar player who commandeered the night for a spell, and my friend Michelle Solomon brings the the room down to almost absolute silence every time she gets up. And then there's Andrew Cryptic who mixes his beats live with a key-tar (midi keyboard guitar) and sings at the top of his lungs in this unbelievable, goth, industrial, synth-pop style.

Santa Fe Reporter