Open Mic Nights

[jchitty]

I'd like to hear any experiences concerning open mic nights. How do they work.....never been to one, don't know what too expect. I am collaborating with another co-writer for some of my songs. He's a great guitar player, and I sing okay, so he's thinking maybe we should showcase some of our songs locally. Horror stories and good stories welcomed.

[nomiyah]

I just performed at an open mic a few hours ago. It was not exactly an open mic because it was only for members of West Coast Songwriters. They call it a Songwriter Showcase. But it's an open mic anyway.It's a good way to take your song out for a test drive. All the open mics I've done (probably 100 by now), the audiences have been exceptionally supportive. They are usually there because they love to hear new original music. It isn't an American Idol scene, more of a talent show atmosphere, although there was judging at the one I went to tonight.Performing also greatly expands your networking. It's much easier if you do it regularly. Let us know how it goes!!! Tonight, I sang "Couldn't Walk Away" and the applause and smiles seemed sincere. I had to leave early so I didn't qualify for the judging. Hope this helps.Nomi

[hummingbird]

I made a point of getting out to open mics on a regular basis last year, either solo, or with my trio. I typically check 'em out by heading over to the place just to listen the first time. Then, if the atmosphere and style of music fit what I do, then I go back and sign up. Most open mics have a sign up, first come first served. I find them enjoyable evenings all round - usually it's a pretty attentive & appreciative audience, usually you sell a CD or two, you get to try out new songs, and usually there's some really great singer/songwriters and/or singer/guitarists to listen to as well.We've been the feature performers at the local open mic (after showing up and playin a few open mics), then we get whatever the audience donates for the musicians.It's a great way to let people see what you're doing - my trio now has a few fans who follow us to gigs... that's kinda cool

[edteja]

I used to run an open mic--for about a year. It wasa great way to meet and even perform with other musicans and see how they progressed with their performing and songwriting over time. I got tired of pushing string uphill (aka trying to keep the event alive) but formed some good relationships and got a good amount of stage time. Some nights it was mostly just me, and some nights like a great jam session. At their best, open mics can be great. I don't enjoy the stiffly formal ones as much, but they have their place. The songwriter Rusty Weir ran one in Austin that I played at a few times, but I didn't find it had the camraderie of others. The point being that you can't judge one open mic by another--they take on the personality of the place, the host, and the other performers. And showcases are another beast altogether.

[arkjack]

A local restaurant used to have open mic every Wed and I made it a point to go a play once a month.... It was useful time spent.... polishing an act with the acouterments of costume, stage presence.... and watch audience reactions to original songs.... some stuff the patrons just yak loudly, on other tunes they would get quiet and attentive and make eye contact... you knew they were getting it.... first couple times you get the yipps.... (thats the choke before making the tournament winning put at the 18th in a PGA tournament..) otherwiase "butterflies"... but regular performance in front of strangers in an audience is essential for learning how to deal with it.... I say go for it...

[jchitty]

Well, I'll leave a quick reply (in order of who replied) because I don't want to clog up this board too much. Thanks, Shaka, Nomi, Hummingbird, Traveling Ed and ArkJack for your posts about your open mic experiences. I was wondering what to expect, so you guys have given me some encouragement and some advice on how to proceed. Yes, I'll let you know how it turns out. It might be a while because we have to practice and see which songs we play best (a little planning), but I'm hoping we'll be able to sing onstage soon. Thanks again!