First open mic in uhm... a decade maybe?

[eded]

So there is a brewery about a mile away from my house that my wife and I  (and various friends) go to often.  When Covid hit, things kind of died down.  For the past 6 mo or so I have been talking about hosting an open mic.  Well, yesterday was the day.  I didn't do much promotion thinking it would be a day to figure out equipment and such.  It came off with hardly a hitch.  It had been occurring to me that it had been about 10 years since I had played and sang in front of people and I was nervous as hell.  I think daily practice for the past 2 weeks helped.  There were only 2 other solo performers, my wife did some jazz standards with a guitarist, and a quintet of uke/voice players.  Miking them was a challenge but it came off better than I expected.  Because there were so few folks there, I ended up having to fill almost an hour. 

When we finished up, the bartender asked when I wanted to do the next one...  I'll take that as a win.

Ed

[StringPicker6]

Congrats!! I still have to find the courage to do an open mic one day.

[ducktrapper]

Right on! Getting invited back is always a good sign.

[mike in lytle]

You are a really social kind of guy so I am sure you will do well on the next, and next, gig.
Plus, you are a good player. I saw the group of players on your FB page.
Mike

[ducktrapper]

Congrats!! I still have to find the courage to do an open mic one day.

What does Nike say? 

[eded]

What does Nike say? 

 

What's the worst that could happen?

[StringPicker6]

The worst? I guess if I threw up in my sound hole... 

[ducktrapper]

Open mics tend to have the most generous audiences and are the most forgiving of musical scenes. At least, in my experience. I've seen some absolutely terrible performances received with a lot of kindness. I've never heard hissing or booing.   

[Silence Dogood]

I don't think people have to be "good" or "great" to play music. Music can be and should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to play.  But I'm a firm believer that if you are going to perform for others, you should have a polished craft to offer them.  This is something I never understand about open mics.  There are many people who show up that really have no business offering their craft to the public.  If one cannot sing on key or play well, it doesn't mean that person should stop, but they should stop playing for others till they are better.

Some years ago one of my wife's friends asked her to sing harmony with her in a local opry house-type audition.  I sat there and watched a lot of people audition that literally had no musical talent.  And these people had no idea.  I was embarrassed for them.  I'm sure their aunts and moms told them they were great, but they had no business on a stage of any kind.

Having said all, I do realize an opec mic is a place to hone one's skill set, but there has to be some natural talent there to work with, and some just don't have it.

[ducktrapper]

I don't think people have to be "good" or "great" to play music. Music can be and should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to play.  But I'm a firm believer that if you are going to perform for others, you should have a polished craft to offer them.  This is something I never understand about open mics.  There are many people who show up that really have no business offering their craft to the public.  If one cannot sing on key or play well, it doesn't mean that person should stop, but they should stop playing for others till they are better.

Some years ago one of my wife's friends asked her to sing harmony with her in a local opry house-type audition.  I sat there and watched a lot of people audition that literally had no musical talent.  And these people had no idea.  I was embarrassed for them.  I'm sure their aunts and moms told them they were great, but they had no business on a stage of any kind.

Having said all, I do realize an opec mic is a place to hone one's skill set, but there has to be some natural talent there to work with, and some just don't have it.

Very true although it's hard to know how big a part nerves play in that scenario. On the other hand, some people are just incapable of realizing what you are pointing out. And, of course, friends and family almost never tell them the truth. Where's Simon Cowell when you need him? 

The best open mics are run by a host who weeds out the worst or cuts them short. The worst open mics are very democratic and everyone gets the same amount of time, regardless of how painful it is to listen. 

[ducktrapper]

Open mics at my favorite new bar are becoming gig like. I try to leave my guitar in the vehicle but am asked to play. Tonight I did a set and then played a few songs with a drummer and bass player. My Martin did not cut through, however. Looks like now I need to bring more gear as in an electric guitar and amp. There was a time I'd be more needing of being paid to play but at this point in my life, as long as it's fun, I'm good. Really like these people.