Post-holiday depression is as common as the rhinovirus, and it has many vectors: cold weather, neurotransmitter deficiencies, a sociopathic inability to empathize with other human beings. Psychiatrists recommend a therapeutic “cocktail” of pharmaceutical-grade antidepressants and live amateur musical performance.
Consult your doctor about that first one. But for all of your amateur music needs, Eric Houser hosts the Wednesday Open-Mic Night at Crave Café (1615 West 39th Street). Houser carries a guitar case full of ear-candy acoustic songs, so his open-mic shows are a good supplement to those pharmaceutical-grade antidepressants. Alternating hosting duties each week with Valerie Engholm, Houser covers Talking Heads, Marcy Playground and the theme to SpongeBob SquarePants.
Besides a host, every open-mic show has another important ingredient, which is now on the cover of the most ass-kissy “Person of the Year” issue ever published by Time magazine: you. Except, whereas Time could have chosen anyone, open-mic shows really do need you. Yes, you, with your Dishwalla-sticker-covered guitar case and your index cards of between-song patter. Without you, open-mic night at Crave Café is just the Eric Houser show. What are you waiting for? The Crave crowd is friendly, and no one will make fun of you. Call 816-931-5282 for details.
Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., 2007
