In mid-song, she suffers a memory lapse but keeps singing. Every Thursday night, amateurs, professionals or anyone off the street can perform.
Music usually dominates the program but any performance art is welcome.
Open Mike Night began about four years ago shortly after Panama Java fired up its espresso machines. It struggled at first. Local band Lucky Mud then started showing up regularly and would play a set then welcome audience members to play or sing along. Lucky Mud members passed a guitar from table to table. Now, Open Mike Night is one of the coffee house's most popular nights.