Trent Beck was only 14 when he played in a band with his brothers at Medford’s open mic and entertainment hot spot, Johnny B’s. Now he and Brittany Wilkins own the joint.

The two are domestic partners as well as business partners. They took over the business when founder John Bach retired in the fall of 2019.

Originally located on Bartlett Street, Johnny B’s now is in the historic Woolworth building in downtown Medford at 120 E. Sixth St. The 21+ bar and venue is open Wednesdays through Saturdays beginning at 7 p.m.

Beck remembers with fondness that night 18 years ago when he played Johnny B’s with his brothers. Bach’s generosity of spirit made a big impression on him.

“My bass amp broke and Johnny B himself just plugged me into his amp for the rest of the gig. I could never forget it.”

It’s a two-person operation for Beck, 32, and Wilkins, 33. Between the two of them, they take care of everything — picking up orders, bartending, cooking, emceeing, booking, shopping, set-up, clean-up, accounting, social media, advertising, and trying to get home early enough to sleep.

“Running this club is more of a lifestyle,” Beck said. “You have to love it. We usually have our plates full,” he said. “Or overflowing,” Wilkins added.

Tuesday is open mic and jam night at Johnny B’s and is open to all art forms. Wednesdays through Saturdays, the club books local and traveling musical acts.

Open mic night is a way for the couple to celebrate artistic expression and nurture emerging talent. In the process, they bring together a diverse community of artists and art enthusiasts. Musicians, comedians, and poets have all taken the stage on Tuesday nights.

“Basically, it comes down to having a home for people to start out and get on stage for the first time,” Beck said. “Our emphasis is on art and community, psychedelic art, amazing mixed drinks and great food.”

JB’s has six rotating taps for craft beers and a selection of domestic and import cans and bottles. Their popular fare includes tacos, burritos and loaded fries, all available late into the night.

Beck, whose stage name is BoPL (Being of Pure Light), serves as host for open mic night.

“I perform at the top of the night, typically organize the performances first, then the jam to close the night,” he said. “I always try to make a beat or little riff to keep sound going during artist switches, which I believe helps our open mic stand out.”

He enjoys getting to know people in the house, both performers and audience members.

“It is super important to me to make sure people feel safe getting on stage,” he said. “We really care, and so does our crowd.”

Artists interested in performing on open mic night need just to show up and sign up in person on the night of. No advance registration is required.

The same goes for the jam session that follows open mic performances. Jamming is open to anyone, including open mic performers.

“Bringing instruments to jam on Tuesday nights is highly encouraged,” Beck said. “I curate jams based on the instruments.”

JB’s has a house drum kit, electric guitar, electric bass, bongos, and mics for public use.

When asked about the typical mix of artists on open mic nights, Beck said there is no such thing.

“Some nights we might have five comedians and a DJ, some nights are acoustic with full bands,” he said. “On other nights we might have solo live loopers or spoken word. You name it, you might see it. I never know what’s going to happen. It’s beautiful!”

Open mic nights are not without their surprising moments, and occasionally a touring band is booked as the feature at the end of open mic.

“One time a really amazing rock band called BearAxe from Seattle came to our open mic on a night off and played us a free, mind-blowing show. Every week is a surprise around here, though,” Beck said.

Many performers who got their start at Johnny B’s open mic night have built their own followings.

“Two bands I can think of right off the top,” Wilkins said, “are Hard to Market and Moonbow. Both bands are currently playing tons of shows.”

Area bands have done a little recruiting at the club, as well.

“Our open mic is the perfect place to find a replacement or new band member,” Beck said. “Our community is full of talented, humble musicians.”

The music Wednesdays through Saturdays includes a diverse lineup, with special events and themed nights adding to the mix. There are two electronic dance music nights monthly, “with awesome lights, projections, and more bass than most have heard,” Beck said.

“Bring Your Own Paint Night” invites artists to make art in the bar. “We provide canvas and encourage collaborations,” Wilkins said. “We also have a hip-hop social dance every other month or so.”

Some well-known regional and West Coast bands have played the venue over the years, such as 2 Live Crew, Devil Makes Three, The Toasters (who will be back Aug. 23), Koffin Kats, Randy’s Cheeseburger Picnic, and stand-up comedian Matt Braunger.

Fans are lavish in their praise of the Johnny B’s experience.

Jeremy Devlin of Medford appreciates JB’s dedication to music and arts, and how the club brings the community together.

“They make people of all walks of life feel welcome,” he said. “And they provide a platform where people can express themselves.”

James Deans of Phoenix said he admires owners Beck and Wilkins for their taking on the challenge of running the music venue.

“Britt and Trent are two big-hearted, music-loving people,” he said. “They have created a venue that has so much diversity in styles. Every genre of music has found a home at Johnny B’s, plus comedy and art nights as well. They have beautifully created a space for the eclectic vibes of Medford.”

The couple’s long-term goal is to book much larger names and even bring a festival to the valley.

“But Johnny B’s will always be a starting place for performers,” Beck said.

For more information about Johnny B’s, performance schedules, and how to book a gig, go to jbsmedford.com.