Micha's last set

Last night at open mic, we had an outpouring of support for our lost friend Micha. His family was there along with friends and fellow singer/song writers. We signed him up on the list and gave him his last set. Patrick our sound guy played two of his song and dropped the house lights; as a single spot shined on an empty chair. We sat together in a silent room, many were crying and all were thinking about this man that brought his talents to our room.

Open Mic becomes a community. This was so evident as these artists came together to share their music, grief and joy.

Ken Harris gave a wonderful set that combined the Fred Rose tune "Blue Eye's Crying in the Rain" with Micha's "Good Morning Whiskey"

Rick Strole did a beautiful version of Mcartney's "Here Today". It was so sweet, Micha would have loved it.

Here in Cave Creek we post notices of death on the post office window. I posted my first yesterday;

Micha Mcgerrah died Tuesday morning. He was 38 years old. During his life, Micha was a father, son, brother, husband, bull rider, and a singer/songwriter. He loved, Cave Creek, and everything the American west had to offer, always had a smile on face and was seldom heard letting an unkind word cross his lips. Please join his friends and family celebrating this man’s unique journey, this Sunday, August 8^th at The Cave Creek Coffee co. at high noon.

If you're free this Sunday please drop by a celebrate the life of our friend Micha McGerrah.

Sad News

Micha and his father Michael

I was called a few hours ago and told that my friend Micha mcGerrah was found dead in his bed this morning. Micha had been coming to my Open Mic for the past several months. He was an ex bull rider that was working through the sadness of a broken marrige. His songs were sad but well written. He had real talent but gave everything he could when he sang. Many times he would cry on stage while singing about his exwife and kids. I often would find myself singing one of his songs when I was driving or working in the yard.

One of his songs said, "When I get to heaven, I hope that me and God will take a ride."

Well little brother, I'm just going to beleive that you are up there riding with God through that beautiful plain. I'm sorry you left us so soon and I look forward to playing with you again one day.

One of my mentors and the guy that taught me how to run an Open Mic, Dave Grossman, once told me that there are only a few places that a musician can find refuge in this world; drugs, sex, alcohol, jail, the psyhic wards and the Open Mics. I hope my now lost friend, found a little refuge at my Open Mic. His voice will be missed.

Warmly

Mad Coyote Joe