Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

I more than most, strongly encourage everyone from beginner to experienced experts to attend open mic nights at least occasionally. But I've noticed a few people in my circle of friends who go for the wrong reasons-

You go there to perform, obviously.

A lot of people get nervous about playing in front of other musicians who will obviously be more judgmental than any average fan, and worry both before and after the open mic about how well their performance was accepted (measuring the applause).

But here's the thing... Most of them will clap at the end of your songs, no matter how good or bad you do. They are primarily there to encourage you, and support your efforts, simply because you are there to do the same for them.

Open mic is great for three things:

1. Working out equip setup issues, quick setup / breakdown, etc.
2. Practicing performing in front of people, in a variety of venues.
3. Networking with other musicians and bands.

Forget about the rest and no matter how much 'kudos' you get, always remember that you are your own best judge of your accomplishments / failures (hopefully, if you are insightful enough), and to take everything said, good or bad, with a grain of salt.

Check out an open mic near you:

http://openmics.org/

Well spoken.

Good idea, but I'm not a solo act. I don't sit on a stool with an acoustic guitar and sing. I'm used to being a part of a rock band. If I go to an open mic nite I will surely bomb, no? What am I supposed to perform? (..and please dont say "use your imagination" )

uhhhm Z I'm just a bassist who can't sing and I've gotten up on stage with a dude who knew some of the same bands as me and wasn't a drummer and subjected them to my ability after heavy drinking sooo we might have given up like part way through a piece of music and were outta the bar before the drum sticks hit the ground, I was still up on stage hahaha

ZXYZ wrote:Good idea, but I'm not a solo act. I don't sit on a stool with an acoustic guitar and sing. I'm used to being a part of a rock band. If I go to an open mic nite I will surely bomb, no? What am I supposed to perform? (..and please dont say "use your imagination" )

A lot of the bars in my area that sponsor open mic nights usually has a band to host it and let whole bands get up or just one person could get up and play with the host band. I'm sure that goes on in other places too.

My band, Tina Lee and Random Blues, hosts two jams a month. We have a variety of people come to play, anywhere from a 9-year-old boy who plays guitar, drums and keyboards (also recently called up on stage at a Buddy Guy concert and played with the band) and an 18-year-old young lady who plays a very sweet sounding guitar to 50 year olds who haven't played since back in the day and want to again, to musicians who have been playing for years. We have a blast. Experience is varied and everyone supports everyone else.

ZXYZ - what's it gonna hurt to try.

We provide PA, most guitar players bring their own amp, but if not our guitar player brings an extra. In addition, if you wanted to do a solo act - all you would have to do is ask. Most acts at open mic nights do 3 or 4 numbers, we have had solo and duo acts.

MmmmmMmmmmmmMmmmmmmMmmmmmm

I am channeling the spirit of Janis Joplin ..

Do I see Patti Smith doing "White Rabbit"?

I see, so there is accompanyment available. Ok, thanks for the clarification y'all. Just bring your gear and if the situation arises, jump in and have fun. I may have to try this.

ZXYZ wrote:I see, so there is accompanyment available. Ok, thanks for the clarification y'all. Just bring your gear and if the situation arises, jump in and have fun. I may have to try this.

It's all good fun

There recently started at a place near me a song writers night where they only allow originals to be done. It has been a lot of fun going to try your new stuff out, as Ive done by myself and with 1 or more guys the last couple of weeks. I guess Im tired of hearing 3 steps 10 times a night like you do at most of the free for alls. Our group hosts a open mic once in a while but when we do we have to moderate a lot of what they want to play or else things get out of hand. I feel like it takes a lot out of it that way but Im trying to "just get along" most of the time. As for the song writers night it has really been exceptionally fun!


Its another day in Paradise !!!

ZXYZ wrote:I see, so there is accompanyment available. Ok, thanks for the clarification y'all. Just bring your gear and if the situation arises, jump in and have fun. I may have to try this.

Only problem Z is where you live. I don't think there are any places that have jam sessions in the Roanoke area. If there are, I would like to know, too.

jeffmyers24151 wrote:

ZXYZ wrote:I see, so there is accompanyment available. Ok, thanks for the clarification y'all. Just bring your gear and if the situation arises, jump in and have fun. I may have to try this.

Only problem Z is where you live. I don't think there are any places that have jam sessions in the Roanoke area. If there are, I would like to know, too.

http://openmikes.org/listings/nearzip.p ... noke%2C+VA

two places show up in the search