WEST MILFORD If, someday, there is a West Milford Center for the Performing Arts, well that’s Sara Gallmann’s dream. And with her track record, don’t bet against it happening. In less than four years, Gallmann has shepherded Music at the Mission from a kitchen-table idea to an unqualified success, creating an authentic music scene that consistently introduces local talent and showcases big-name performers to enthusiastic, sold-out audiences at the West Milford Presbyterian Church twice each month. The Strawbs, Freedy Johnston, Steve Forbert, Patty Larkin, Aztec Two-Step, and Chris Smither top a long list of music-world luminaries who have lit up the stage of the intimate coffeehouse-style room in West Milford. And the monthly Open Mic night has been pulling audiences of 140-plus for performances by some 25 musicians in each show, drawing artists not only from West Milford and nearby towns, but also upstate NY and New York City, Connecticut, Philadelphia, and as far away as Canada. This was precisely the goal of Gallmann, a West Milford resident for 26 years, lifelong musician, and chair of the non-profit organization Music at the Mission. “We modeled our organization after a few other successful venues who were doing what we wanted to do,” she said. “They were all non-profit organizations, which allowed them to receive grant monies. We decided early on that this was the way to go. We have been successful in receiving some grant money, but we are hoping to expand on that.” Step number two was: Let’s put on a show! “We really had no clue what we were doing,” said Gallmann of that Saturday night in November 2002. “I called my friend and music agent, Mary Granata. She recommended we present Denice Frankie and Liz Queler. We bought a sound system, and my husband Matt poured over the owner’s manual We were definitely winging it.” But Gallmann’s aim was true. “We were truly lucky that our first show went so well. Everything sounded great, we had a nice turnout of about 40 people, and fortunately enough friends who volunteered their time to help us present a wonderful first show!” The Open Mic nights started a little more slowly. “There were many Open Mic nights in the beginning when Matt and I were the only performers. He’d play some tunes, I’d play some tunes, we’d play a few tunes together... “ But word got out, and musicians began to show up. “Eventually, we would get at least a dozen musicians to perform each month, and the talent was truly amazing. I remember thinking each month that we couldn’t possibly top last month’s Open Mic -- but I was wrong every month. It just kept getting better and better. We continue to have regular performers who are definite favorites, and we still continue to have new performers each month.” Those first concerts and Open Mic nights were held at the Episcopal Mission in the Highlands in West Milford, but the venue turned out to be temporary. “When they were planning to lease the building, we were asked to leave, along with all of the other groups that met there -- including my yoga classes,” she recalls. “We were scrambling to find a new home during that summer of 2004. The West Milford Presbyterian Church has been a wonderful new home. They truly welcomed us with open arms and as far as I can tell -- we are still welcome.” On June 17, Music at the Mission will present Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, from the Grammy-winning soundtrack of Ken Burns’ popular PBS series “The Civil War.” Upcoming shows will spotlight folk-rock legend Tom Rush and Roger McGuinn, founder of The Byrds and, as Gallmann notes, “Our first Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.” With headliner shows like these, will it soon be time to find a roomier performance venue? “A larger space would enable us to present some bigger names,” admits Gallmann. “It would be wonderful to have a 300-500 seat theater to work with. That is the dream - a nice performing arts center in West Milford.”