Like every open mic night, ever, someone covered The Beatles "Blackbird." The change-up lobbed in by Porch Light Productions "Showcase" last night was that Paul McCartney's simple, acoustic ditty was transformed by a saxophone quartet.

And it rocked—hard.

Comprised of musicians throughout Northern New Jersey, the showcase features acoustic artists, bands, and, yes, a covering quartet, all with varying degrees of experience and backgrounds, playing in Glen Rock's intimate Porch Light Theatre.

Although not technically an open mic—musicians reserve performance times in advance—the showcase continues the company's effort to nearly-always remain open.

"We're really trying to never be dark," co-owner Jenn Boles said.

Porch Light offers various classes throughout the week and currently is gearing up for this weekend's teen production of High School Musical. Staging a showcase two days before opening night, however, proved easy for the company.

"We strike everyday anyway… We built the set so it'd move easily. I think we've gotten used to being active," she said.

Performers Nov. 18 played roughly 15-minute sets, mostly of original material. It definitely was a dynamic atmosphere, as the theater itself—a transformed mural painting shop—shined brightly with candles glowing off High School Musical scenery. The artists themselves slightly mirrored the setting, as seasoned musicians and rookies ripped through sets side-by-side.

Veteran musician Jono Frola opened the show with songs from his new album. Acoustic guitar in hand, Frola eased his way through original folk and blues numbers.

"It's my first time here, so I didn't know what to expect," said Frola, from Ridgefield. "It's a good sound, and I'll know what the audience is looking for next time. I think it went well." 

Kevin Wright joked with the crowd through his own acoustic set. When talking about hippy communes, the high school contingent cheered in approval. Wright played four originals and accompanied himself on harmonica for his closer.

"The biggest problem when you reach this age is remembering the words to your own songs," he said.

Also a bass player for Porch Light's musical, Jon Odd offered the crowd a glimpse into his new piano rock songs. Odd's jams combined a dark wit with a show tune feel. His last song "I Broke Up With a Girl for All the Wrong Reasons" made you laugh—presumably for all the wrong reasons, as well.

Clearly the show stealer was the Garden State Saxophone Quartet. Miguel Bolivar (soprano), Robert Harvey (alto), Ellis Jasenovic (tenor), and Robert Quinn (baritone) are classically-trained musicians who met at Montclair State University. They also possess a penchant for rocking out, as their three-song set featured saxophone arrangements of Guns 'N' Roses "Sweet Child of Mine," Led Zeppelin "Stairway to Heaven," and "Blackbird."

"We're like the classical jukebox," Bolivar said. "We want to bring out the saxophone quartet and show how versatile in can be."

Only its second-ever showcase, Porch Light looks to host these free events monthly, Boles said.

"Little by little people are coming out for this," she said. "It's a nice relaxing, chill evening on a Wednesday."

If you didn't know better, you'd think it was still in Ridgewood, too. Located on South Broad Street right over the Glen Rock border, Porch Light is near the Ridgewood Auto Wash—also, technically in Glen Rock.

Artists interested can still sign up for the December show by contacting the theater at info@porchlightproductions.org or calling 201-857-3520.