Many but not all of the performances on Feb. 27 at Open Mic Nite in North Platte came out of the 1970s, with jokes and live music to lift the spirits.

Individual performances began after everyone sang “Don’t worry, be happy.”

More than 50 people attended the show, which was the second since the show was reincarnated on Jan. 30 after its years-long absence. It was held in the party room of the North Platte Senior Center.

Some performers traveled a long ways. Jaden Tillman again came from Goodland, Kan. He sang the crowd-pleasing “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and the Pink Floyd classic, “Wish You Were Here.”

Mick Shimonek of Lemoyne fingerpicked two instrumentals on acoustic guitar, including “Me and Bobby McGee.”

Alasha and Jamie Johnson of Arnold performed “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord” and “My Little Runaway” on guitar and violin.

Bob Hough of Arnold sang two songs, including “New York, New York,” accompanied by Sue Elmshauser of North Platte on piano.

Other performances included songs by Gordon Lightfoot, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Curtis Mayfield, the Eagles, and the Ramones.

Elmshauser played three instrumentals from the 1970s on keyboard.

John Martin wore one of his old tie-dyed tee shirts from the 70s and told a joke. His wife Peggy reminded everyone of slang sayings of those days, which were “dyn-o-mite” to remember.

Nebraska Country Music Hall of Famer Jim Calhoun came to the show after an earlier gig, and sang a couple songs.

The next Open Mic Nite will be from 7-9:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27 at the same location. The recommended theme will be country music of era of Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton, but all types of performances will be welcome.

Meanwhile, organizers ask that you keep a song in your heart.

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