I have probably heard it a thousand times from a thousand different people when the question is raised “so, how did you first get a foot in the door to playing in Cambridge, Somerville, Boston, etc?”. That response being “well, Tom Bianchi and the Lizard Open mic”. Tom has long since been a staple holding the stretching seams of the community around town. I mean the mantra of the dude’s main project (The Baker Thomas Band) is “everybody’s in the Baker Thomas Band”. The giving and inclusive mentality of this man is beyond words and the generosity that he has imparted on so many folks over the years is immeasurable.

The LLOMC has been a launching pad for many, a testing ground for others, but one thing is for certain, it has been a pool of support and community for all that have been a part. Even though the weekly event has the word “challenge” in the title, it feels anything but. People are willing to give input, you meet lifelong friends among the crowd and your fellow songwriter contenders and your loving and humorous host, Mr. Bianchi, keeps the thing rolling with a light hearted attitude…who’s running this thing anyway?

Tonight the Lizard Lounge Open Mic Challenge will celebrate it’s 500th show. That is something pretty incredible, at one a week that marks it running weekly for nearly a decade. A milestone to be rejoiced and appreciated for its endurance and commitment to giving artists a place to feel appreciated and comfortable.

I would be sorely mistaken if I tried to sum up 500 shows worth of god knows how many musicians crossing the basement stage every Monday night to try out new songs and showcase old ones for the crowd. So, I won’t. Instead, here are just a few thoughts and comments from those who have been there and experienced it night after night. And to you Tom, here’s to 500 more my friend. We love you.

Ryan Montbleau – “Tom Bianchi is one of my favorite people, in addition to being a great bass player, performer, and a pillar of the Cambridge/Somerville music scene. Whenever someone from out of town hits me up asking about gigs in Boston, I send them Tom’s way. He’s like a hub of activity in everything that I love about that music scene. And it’s hard to imagine anyone else running the open mic challenge and keeping it so cool, so supportive of the music.”

Laurence Scudder – “Bianchi, a strong vertebrae in the spine of our creative community. One who is forever encouraging & providing opportunity for others. Thank you isn’t enough.”

Bethel Steele – ‘Tom is a legend in the Boston music scene. He has an uncanny ability to create a listening space where songwriters from all levels can experience the two-song set that will fuel their career. He’s created a precious building block in the community where budding songwriters can step on to the stage the same night a seasoned performer is honing the performance of their latest song. I can’t imagine the Boston music scene with out Tom.”

Anna Rae – “Tom Bianchi has created a space where people turn their curiosity about music into live performance, and where a great many of those have been able to hone their craft and develop a solid music practice and performance career. His daily effort over months and years has filled the music scene in Boston with talent, and served as an example of dedication to art and community to those of us who have interacted with him. Tom is generous with praise and always willing to share whatever he knows that could help someone improve their craft and gain access to the Boston music scene.”

Bob Bradshaw – “The gregarious Mr. Bianchi runs the best open mic I’ve ever been at, and if you want to know whether or not your new song is a turkey, there’s no better place to see if it can fly than the Lizard Lounge Open Mic on a Monday night.”

Shoney Lamar – “When I first started running my own open mic, i basically just did my best Tom Bianchi impression. The man is always gracious and funny, but more importantly supportive. The LLOMC is the easily the top open mic in Boston, in part because the contest aspect really brings out the best in performers, but really, it would be half as important without Tom at the helm. A giant walks amongst us.”

Ryan Sweezey – “Personally, I feel as though I’ve done a lot of growing up on the LLOMC stage. The countless hours Tom puts into not only Lizard Lounge, but the Burren and a whole host of other local-music-community-building spaces are a massive reason why the local scene is so friendly and vibrant. I’m one of hundreds of people who owes a lot to this man and the work he does.”

Emily Mure – “Tom is sort of the Godfather of independent music in Boston it seems.  When I first moved to Boston and was looking for people to connect to, everyone I spoke to gave me his name.  And it’s no wonder, the man is a work horse, and passionately helps artists and their music thrive in this scene.”

Patrick Coman – “The LLOMC is the first place I played on stage in Boston, it’s the first place I met other musicians, and sitting at the bar I booked my first gig in Boston. The longevity of the open mic is a testament to it’s importance as gathering spot for new and veteran songwriters alike and Tom Bianchi is the engine that keeps it all running. I don’t know how he does it all but I am grateful that he does!”

Maxwell Bailey – “Tom is truly a pillar in the Boston music scene. LLOMC has sparked countless connections, inspired creativity and been a sanctuary for songwriters – both old and new to the scene. Tom drives people to hone their talent and feed off of the energy those around them.”