Strangest Times w/ Nanci & Phoebe Open Mice.

Phoebe Blue is a staple Staten Island songwriter/performer for nearly 20 years.

Yes, you read that right too. That’s almost two decades.

She’s best known to host “OPEN MICE” [not a typo] events in book cafe’s, bars and various other places in all this time—mostly, always, in Staten Island.

Yes, you read that right. That is “OPEN MICE” to you.

Phoebe says:

“I have hosted many “OPEN MICE‘s” in many places on the Island and curated creative happenings and events. Currently, I host a monthly “Open Mice” (again, not a typo) @motherpugs with cohost comedian story teller Nanci Richards.”

Mother Pug’s is a dive bar.

Mother Pug’s is a dive bar on Staten Island known for being a live music venue, especially for local rock, punk, and metal acts. It offers a casual, friendly, and no-frills atmosphere with a wide selection of drinks and is also a spot for other events like bingo.

Bar type: It’s a dive bar that is also a music venue.
Atmosphere: Described as cozy, casual, and friendly, with a laid-back vibe that is not upscale or romantic.
Music: Features a variety of live music, particularly genres like punk, hardcore, and rock.
Offerings: Serves drinks like beer, hard liquor, and cocktails, and also offers pub fare and food.
Events: Hosts other activities like Thursday night bingo.

@MotherPugs is in Port Richmond
Located @ 1371 Forest Ave,
Staten Island, NY 10302.

Phoebe continues:

The people that show up are not always the same—sometimes new, sometimes old. Open Mice has been like an A.A. meeting for the creative community. It’s a night “You go to keep from going crazy” haha. Or it’s like an insert (choose your own spiritual preference and place of worship) or like the gym. You may not feel like going but you feel better about yourself after.”

Phoebe also bartends at The Coupe. (@thecoupenyc)

Inside The Coupe, a high-end cocktail bar located at 379 Van Duzer Street in Stapleton. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

@The Coupe is in Stapleton.
It’s located
@ 379 Van Duzen Street
Staten Island, NY 10305.

The people who are among her hardcore fan base won’t let her stop:

I feel like whenever I stop hosting ‘open mice’ for a while or stop playing shows, the people pull me back in. They need their fix. That makes me feel like I’m doing something that matters. Even if it’s small. We are so lucky to have a safe space to express and share and be weird. I don’t take that for granted.”