I found myself back at Oden Brewing Company this past Sunday. It is a massive, historic space that somehow still feels like a neighborhood living room, whether you are tucked into a corner of the indoor taproom or spreading out by the outdoor stage. The brewery is housed in an old bottling plant, and you can still see hints of that history in the concrete floors and the hefty metal scales dotted around the main level.

The heart of the Sunday experience is the open mic hosted by Bryan Toney. It has been running for a long time now, and you can tell by the way the regulars interact that there is a deep sense of shared history here. Bryan has a way of keeping the energy moving and making everyone feel like they belong on that stage. It attracts a huge variety of talent, and because the community is so supportive, it is the perfect place to test out a new song or just get comfortable in front of a microphone.

One of the things I really appreciate about Oden from a musician’s perspective is how accommodating they are. They have a solid setup of house equipment, and if you ever land a gig there, you can ask to use their gear. It takes a bit of the weight off your shoulders when you know the venue is truly in your corner. Outside, they have those gas firepits that get surprisingly hot, which is a lifesaver on chilly North Carolina evenings. I have to admit that I keep forgetting to bring my own s’mores and hot dogs to roast over the flames.

While the music is the main draw for me, the beer selection is a close second. It is always changing, and they consistently have some of the best IPAs in the Triad. I noticed a few interesting ones on the tap list like the Hints and Allegations Juicy IPA and the Clearly Implied Hazy IPA. It is the kind of place where you can grab a fresh pint, find a spot by the fire, and just lose yourself in the local talent for a few hours. Whether you are there to play or just to listen, Oden is a pillar of what lifelong music making looks like in our community.