Three Songs to Start is a visual exploration of open mics across the

Lehigh

Valley

. Whether deciding at the last second or planning for days in advance, performers are typically given three songs to express themselves in front of a different crowd each night.

As visitors to Mama's Restaurant and Cafe Baci park their cars and make their way from the parking lot, they can hear music being played through speakers out over the exterior of the building. The music follows the guests inside, and stays with them throughout the restaurant, possibly prompting some to investigate its source.

On Monday nights, what they hear is the live music played during an open mic hosted by musician George Baier.

Café Baci, a dining room aglow in colored lights and warm tones, is an annex to the family-run restaurant that has been a Hackettstown staple for more than 40 years. The open mic time of 7 to 10 p.m. caters to those who have primary obligations that may not be that of their music.

"We make it early so that students can come out," says Baier. "Or people that have to make that early commute can get out and do their music."

The need to fit time for his music around other priorities is something that Baier understands all too well. Having put his musical ambitions on hold while working in the corporate sector, raising children and coaching them in youth sports, he picked it back up and pursued his passion for performing once again.

"I came in to fill in one night," Baier says. "And 14 years later, I'm still here."

Aside from hosting the open mic at Mama's, he also performs solo sets at the restaurant as well as other venues in the region. Often performing multiple shows a day, and rarely getting days off, he is doing what he wants to be doing.

"It's one-third the pay," Baier explains. "But ten times the happiness."

The family setting during this open mic at Mama's extends beyond the guests at the dining tables and includes the performers themselves who frequent the show. While the stage is inviting to anyone, there are definitely those who keep coming back and also bounce their work off other musicians in attendance.

"It's a friendly environment to practice new songs for the regulars," says Jon Rosario, who travels from Great Meadows. "But when there are new people here, I have to step up my game."

Rosario plays a mix of originals and cover songs, though he prefers to play originals. While the best reception from diners might be for familiar tunes, that doesn't stop performers in the open mic from fleshing out original compositions or trying foreign material alongside someone else.

Mama's Restaurant & Café Baci

260 Mountain Ave, Hackettstown

Hosted by George Baier

7 to 10 p.m. every Monday night

908-852-2820

Single or duo acoustic players & vocalists (Please no amps, drums or bands)

"Once a lot of the players come and meet the other players, they start doing some music together," Baier explains. "It's nice to see them stretching themselves as musicians into a genre they normally wouldn't do."

Something that is not a common practice for all open mics, but is something that he feels is a great resource for learning, is the fact that every performance hosted by Baier at Mama's is recorded on video and made available to players. All they have to do is ask for it and they can use the clip of their set free of charge.

"It's a good tool for people to critique what they look and sound like - or also to help to promote themselves and the restaurant," Baier says.

The open mic at Mama's Restaurant & Café Baci remains unique as it caters to those who juggle work and family, but still want to perform their music either as a hobbyist or as someone with loftier goals.