It was a chilly October evening in Tynemouth, the kind that usually keeps people indoors. But on Thursday, 16 October, something different was brewing on Front Street. Grace Kelly’s, warm, welcoming, and softly lit, opened its doors to the first ever Good Craic, a new weekly open mic event hosted by Wright Music & Management. And from the energy that filled the venue, it’s clear this was the start of something special.

The launch night brought together a diverse and vibrant mix of local performers and supportive spectators, turning the pub into a lively showcase of creativity and community. The room buzzed with conversation and anticipation as people sipped pints, shared laughter, and waited to see what would come next on stage.

The format of the evening was part of the charm. Hosted by the calm and confident Sam Wright, the night flowed smoothly, with just enough unpredictability to keep things exciting. Instead of a traditional fixed lineup, Sam introduced a playful twist: performers each picked a playing card at the start of the evening. When the matching card was drawn later in the night, it was their turn to perform. This spontaneous system added an air of suspense and kept everyone on their toes.

“It added more excitement to the night,” said Emily Davidson, “Absolutely phenomenal showcase of local talent. The new initiative of devising the lineup worked so well.”

The acts themselves brought a wonderfully eclectic mix of genres and personalities. Singers, guitarists, rappers, and comedians took turns commanding the mic, each act offering something unique while contributing to the collective buzz in the room. The perk of a free drink for all performers added to the positive, supportive vibe, a small gesture that helped set the tone for the night as one of celebration and community.

Among the standout performances was the acoustic duo Erin and Charlie, who blended rich harmonies with undeniable chemistry, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Their set was smooth, confident, and heartfelt. A clear highlight of the night.

Dan Low delivered an explosive freestyle rap performance, shared with raw energy and sharp lyricism. His ability to command attention with nothing but a beat and his words reminded the crowd of the power of live performance. Tommy23 brought fire to the stage with his original hip-hop tracks, energizing the room and proving that rap has a firm place in the local music scene.

Nathan Carroll’s performance stood out for its sense of personal growth. A familiar face on the local open mic circuit, Nathan’s set showcased the progress he’s been making over the past few months. His confidence and control have noticeably sharpened, a reminder of what these kinds of grassroots nights are all about.

Sharing the open mic spotlight was Jack Fox, who delivered a thoughtful and intimate acoustic set. Jack, who has been using open mic nights to hone his guitar skills, demonstrated how practice truly pays off.

“Yet another warm, welcoming, and supportive event put on by Sam Wright. A great attentive and supporting audience, a tremendous mix of talented artists across all art forms and genres, all set up in a beauty of a venue.” - Jack Fox

Injecting bursts of laughter between the music were comedians Jimmy B and Ian Wilson, whose sharp, well-timed sets added a fresh layer to the night’s entertainment. Their quick wit and relatable humour kept the audience smiling and broke up the musical acts perfectly.

Closing out the evening was Dan Jack, who delivered three original songs that left a lasting impression. His lyrics, full of depth and sincerity, echoed through the room and brought the night to a poignant and powerful conclusion.

As the crowd lingered after the final act, some chatting at the bar, others praising the performers, the general feeling was clear: this was a successful launch. Good Craic is poised to become a staple in Tynemouth’s cultural calendar. A space where talent is nurtured, audiences are appreciated, and the unexpected is always welcome.

With such a strong and promising start, the weekly open mic is already shaping up to be a cornerstone of the North East’s grassroots arts scene. If the first night is anything to go by, Good Craic won’t just be a name, it’ll be a reputation.

For more information, including dates of upcoming open mics, follow Wright Music & Management on Instagram