Submitted By Cape Coral resident E.J. Skarda

“Open Mic Night” at The French Press Coffee Shop in Cape Harbour on Wednesday evenings is not for karaoke enthusiasts. Singer/Songwriter Papa Tommy, along with support from the coffee shop, decided to create a local setting for song writers, poets and comics to present their talent.

The smell of fresh brewed organic coffee in this marina shop offers artists and guests a place to sit and listen to guitar music. Musicians are encouraged to perform their original songs and lyrics that they have composed. The same is true with poets and comics—only original work is expected.

Papa Tommy, a 12-year Cape Coral resident, is the host emcee who started this program about two years ago. “As long as people keep showing up, we will continue offering this open mic venue to local creative artists.” This is one of the few local places in the area to hear original work performed.

I sat and talked to Papa Tommy one night during a break after he performed his popular and original song, “Bars My Daddy Took Me To.” He opened the night to a standing room only crowd as he introduced one performer after another. Each performer is limited to three songs. A talented musician in his own right, he wanted a place for people to come together and share their talent. He said his goal is to try and make Cape Coral a place, other than Nashville, for song writers to create their lyrics. Papa Tommy is also starting a song lyric workshop there once a month on Thursday nights.

Performers who I heard played all types of music—from ballads to blues to Blue Grass—

 with some rock and roll thrown in. Papa Tommy said that he enjoys hosting his musical friends and knows that they appreciate the warm introduction and welcome they receive at The French Press.

Papa Tommy mentioned that at times he has had some pretty unusual talent show up at “Open Mic Night.” One time there were dueling accordions, another night a woman came in to play a washtub bass and sing. Then there was the performer making background music using his lips while his wife sang.

“There is a lot of natural talent in the area,” Papa Tommy said, “from professional session musicians to retired performers who show up.” The evening I was there, I heard an amazing visiting jazz guitarist.

I asked Papa Tommy what he liked about living down here. He explained, “I love to sit out on the Cape Harbour lanai and play my guitar on Saturdays. The warm weather and the marina view is so inspiring that I can write a song a day here.” He writes original tropical songs for all occasions. In my opinion, his songs would be the envy of superstars like Jimmy Buffet.

Papa Tommy can be contacted for questions about his “Open Mic” nights and lyric workshop, by e-mailing: papatommymusic@yahoo.com or following him on Facebook.