On Monday, February 3rd 2025, the Musicians Collective of McGill hosted their second Open Mic Night at Bar Milton-Parc. With over a dozen acts of different styles and skill levels, as well as one of the most supportive crowds I’ve ever witnessed, this event perfectly represented MUSCO’s core mission.
In conversation with co-presidents Estee Seidler and Jacob Lloyd, I was impressed by their passion and commitment. With help from their executive team, Estee and Jacob provide McGill musicians of every faculty with a jam space in the SSMU basement, community events, mixers, shows, and open mics, among others. Essentially, they ensure that musically-inclined students outside of our renowned music program also get a chance to explore their passion. However, MUSCO goes beyond simply providing a free practice space. Ultimately, what differentiates music from other art forms is its power to immediately bring people together, whether for its production or consumption, and MUSCO is here to ensure the McGill community can experience this. When I asked what their favorite part of their job is, Estee and Jacob gave very similar answers; they both described the proud feeling of seeing a band form in the jam room and eventually play off-campus. While Estee is not in a band herself, she maintains, “Starting a band is what college is all about.” I’m not in a band either, but I’ll second that.
In the dimly lit, homey living room set-up that Bar Milton-Parc is known for, young musicians prepared to jam out with an audience full of their friends and peers. The number of acoustic guitars in the room was nearly comical, but there were also electric guitars, a fiddle, and a cello. There were solo acts, duets, and small bands, each of which performed covers or original tunes. Most of the music leaned toward folk, with some influences of rock, pop, and country. Beyond the performances, I was also intrigued and moved by the crowd, providing moral support by encouraging cheers on the rare occasion that an artist would stumble due to nerves. I brought a friend with me, and we both agreed that a couple of hours of live music in a cozy bar with people joined together by their love of the art form was a lovely way to spend the evening. This was reflected by the impressive turnout, which at its peak saw the bar nearly packed.
As we sat on a Friends-style couch, Jacob, who himself is in the band The Vauxhalls, excitedly explained how they want to foster a “unified scene,” joking I should weave it into the headline. “Bringing people together is what music is for,” he says. The issue is, however, according to the co-presidents, that the music community can sometimes be divisive, pretentious, and exclusionary. That’s why part of their commitment is to welcome and encourage a diversity of genres, instruments, and skill levels. From what I’ve witnessed, they are certainly succeeding. For musicians and music-enjoyers (me) alike, they have created a space that feels welcoming and safe. The crowd was respectful and supportive of every act, the performers were approachable and friendly, and even the bartender was vibing.
The night was rich in talented performers, including a few definite standouts. Lauren and Satch from the band Mr Patterson played their soon-to-be recorded song “You’re Gold.” Satch, who is usually on the bass, played a clean and solid tune on his acoustic guitar to support the melodic duet with lead vocalist Lauren; the result was mesmerizing. The classic rock Montreal-based band has been together since September 2023 and is certainly worth checking out. Information on their upcoming gigs can be found through their Instagram page, @mrpattersonband. Roommates Olivia and Shani sang a harmonically beautiful cover of “Blowing in the Wind” by Bob Dylan. The duo has a habit of singing together, and the open mic gave them the perfect opportunity to check playing in front of a crowd off their bucket list. When you start off your set by saying you just sing for fun, and then pull out the vocals they did, it’s bound to leave an impression. Finally, the four-person group called One of Us Can’t Play Music (she can sing though), delivered renditions of “Look at Miss Ohio” and “Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” that felt like they were best friends singing around a campfire. Alison, Pippa, Dylan and Cleo’s fun was contagious and had the whole crowd smiling and nodding along.
The MUSCO team is working on some exciting things, including a CKUT partnership, a show at Gerts, and hiring new executives for next year. CKUT is a campus-community radio station at McGill University that has been in operation since 1987. MUSCO will be featured every Tuesday of March in CKUT’s Montreal sessions, including live band performances and interviews, which should expand their reach beyond the McGill student body. Now that Gerts is finally back, MUSCO can return to their favorite venue and host their first live show of the year. On February 11 at 7:30 p.m., the bands I Love You Dearly, Hearts of Palm, Dante’s Paradise, and The Vauxhalls will play at the event inspired by The Magnetic Fields’ album 69 Love Songs, each performing a cover of the 1999 album. MUSCO shows allow room for experimentation and usually attract a crowd of regulars, creating a laid-back, fun, inclusive experience. While the open mic inherently invites folkier, more stripped-down tunes, Estee commented that the shows have a fuller, more upbeat feel. This Tuesday, grab your significant other, your friends, or your situationship, and join in this celebration of love and music.
More information can be found on their Instagram, @ssmu_musco.
