John and Joy Mills' Songbird Cafe in Custer is going the way of a number of innovative and sometimes magical venues that have contributed to the growth of the Black Hills music scene: Oriana's Bookcafe in Hill City, The Atomic Cafe and The Daily Grind in Rapid City, Beatnix in Sturgis, Biff Malibu's and Jesse James in Deadwood. Each of these venues was characterized by a love of music and respect for musicians.

The Songbird was upscale, and, though not unique in that respect, was the most successful. The Bose Stick sound system was as wonderfully musician-friendly as the staff and management, but the key to The Songbird was that it was a "listening" venue. Conversations that came into conflict with the music were politely discouraged. The Songbird Cafe took the best of Nashville's Bluebird Cafe, added food an ordinary person could afford, catered to songwriters with heart instead of songwriters on the make and put it right here in the Black Hills. In short, it was the classiest, most focused venue we have seen to date.

I was playing what was supposed to be an open mike at the Flatiron in Hot Springs the night of the last Songbird open mike. I played it because only two other musicians showed up, and they didn't want to perform, they wanted to sit in. Of course, I knew why none of the regulars had shown up, but knowing didn't prepare me for the scene at the Songbird when I stopped through on the way home. Almost everyone with a history in the songwriter scene, particularly in the Southern Hills, was there and glowing over what a fine night of music it had been.

I found John philosophical. Circumstances, family ties and other obligations had made it impossible for him to continue. The heartbreak of having to close was submerged under the energy of the evening. I sensed a small amount of relief, too. Running a successful venue isn't something one does in one's spare time, and John is a fine musician and songwriter in his own right. The upside for the regional songwriter scene is that he will have more time to devote to his music.

The Songbird was an idea whose time has come. The Web site notes that the business is for sale to someone who will "… continue to build on the momentum and serve musicians, artists and those who love them here at the Songbird Cafe & Gallery," which sums up the venue. Thank you both, John and Joy. You have pointed us into the future.

In the first attempt to take up some of the slack for Southern Hills songwriters, Sue Hey and Cory Tomovick have announced the beginnings of the Second Sundays Open Mikes at the Rockerville Community Hall. Bring $1 and a dish for a potluck. Eat at 5 p.m. Music starts at 6 p.m. Call 342-2180 for information or directions.

Riptides in Spearfish, still smoke free, is hosting music. Owners Cathie Brink, Steve Betten and Brad Bruns are easing into it. Brock Finn played the grand opening last month. I'm playing there from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19. Barb Ryman, who has fans in the area from previous performances at Knight's Cellar and The Songbird Cafe, will perform at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct 27.

Steve Thorpe is a published novelist, a performing songwriter and a musical vagabond traveling aboard a blimp-like Avion trailer he calls "Gooney Bird - The Folksinger's Folly" in The Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. You can write to him in care of the Rapid City Journal, 507 Main St., Rapid City, SD 57701 or through e-mail at features@rapidcityjournal.com