Lauded by Billboard magazine as one of the top acoustic music venues in the country, the Mucky Duck is a mecca to purveyors of thoughtful or clever lyrics accompanied by the sweet strains of an unplugged guitar. At its open mike, the city's closet Lucindas and Lyles find an appreciative audience, a top-notch sound system and a cozy stage to welcome them. They also find Wayne Wilkerson, the kindly host who runs the soundboard (quite wonderfully, we might add) and will even lend you his cord or find you a guitar if you need it. But the event isn't limited to aspiring singer-songwriters; you might also see a stand-up comedian, a poet, a storyteller or a well-known local songwriter trying out new material. Sign up is at 7 p.m., and music starts at 8 p.m. No cover -- HOUSTON PRESS MUSIC AWARDS - 1999