The sound of Kettle

Michaela Sanderson, Reporter|October 1, 2014

Sophomore Audrey Vernier performs an original song at the Open Mic at Kettle Coffe & Tea in Escondido. Many students came that day to hang out and listen to songs and poetry.

ESCONDIDO — An assortment of people and the smell of coffee fill Kettle Coffee & Tea in downtown Escondido on a daily basis. Locals know of this little shop due to its drinks and pastries, as well as its weekly open mic. It gives anyone the opportunity to share their vocal talents by simply signing up.

On Thursday, September 18, junior Gabriella Mammia and sophomore Audrey Vernier performed original songs, accompanied by multiple friends to listen and provide support. Both girls were showered with applause and cheering following their performances.

Mammia, a veteran open mic performer, sang three of her songs: “Daughter,” “Foster Say a Prayer for Me,” and “Oysters and Pearls.” “My voice was kind of wavering a little bit,” Mammia said. “But once the first song was done, I started to settle into it.”

Mammia is no stranger to the world of performing arts. As a young girl she embraced music as a major part of her life.  “I’ve been singing for a long time,” Mammia said. “I can remember being in choir in the third grade.”

Unlike Mammia, performing at an open mic was something Vernier had never done before Thursday. She grew up singing with her family and humming herself to sleep before she could even talk, but had never performed a solo piece in front of a live audience.

Vernier was fairly new to the guitar, taking it up only a few months prior to her performance. “I was really nervous,” Vernier said. Even so, she still gathered the courage to get up on stage with her guitar.

Junior Gabriella Mammia performs a few of her original songs at an open mic at Kettle Coffee & Tea. Mammia has been a regular of Kettle for quite some time and frequently performs at the Open Mic.
Junior Gabriella Mammia performs a few of her original songs at an open mic at Kettle Coffee & Tea. Mammia has been a regular of Kettle for quite some time and frequently performs at the Open Mic.

Although the two girls have their own unique stories, they share a passion for music. Coincidentally, they both used the word “outlet” to describe the role that music plays in their lives. Vernier said, “It’s a really good way to just gush out your thoughts.”

For these girls, music not only helps them express their feelings, but it is also a way they can touch those who listen. “They always say [that] as an artist, you do what you do for yourself, and you’re the only one you have to please,” Mammia said. “But at the end of the day, I really feel like I do what I do for the people around me.”