Open mic

I was thinking that he was staring at the high hat wondering how hard he would have to jam his face on it for the metal bar sticking up to go all the way through his glasses and skull... :eek:


:keyboardsmash: :helper:

That thought did cross my mind :grin:
 
I perform on occasion at an open mic at a nearby bar. There are several bars in the area that host open mics or jams - @PunkKitty and @Peen Simmons are probably familiar with them.

Overall, the level of talent ranges from good to outstanding. There are a number of regulars at the open mic I attend, and they are very supportive of performers and it’s a cool environment. What I really enjoy is there are a number of really good players in attendance, and they are usually happy to accompany you if you ask. No rehearsal and they play for the song. All the benefits of a band with none of the downsides. :thu:

I don’t like to bash performers at open mics because we all had to start someplace, and I have plenty of room for improvement. My one criticism is not about the performer’s ability, but rather their song selection and arrangements. Too many slow-to-mid tempo, earnest singer-songwriter strummy tunes. Too much Dylan-esque music. It can make for a long night when the music starts to sound the same. It’s great when someone mixes it up with an upbeat, fun song arranged for solo guitar or piano.
 
Too many slow-to-mid tempo, earnest singer-songwriter strummy tunes. Too much Dylan-esque music. It can make for a long night when the music starts to sound the same. It’s great when someone mixes it up with an upbeat, fun song arranged for solo guitar or piano.
I find it goes in cycles. For a while it was Dave Matthews wannabes, complete with the scrunched up faces and growled lyrics. Then for a while it was Americana, mostly Wagon Wheel and Orphan Girl. The open mics I go to most now are singer/songwriter focused, with everyone hoping to go to the Bluebird Cafe and make it in Nashville.
 
So.... the bass player I mentioned on the previous page? He posted some Jaco Weather Report this morning....



damn man.... >stank face<
 
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Oh dayum....I'm just seeing this on 2/26, so obviously missed your show. Looks like a nice venue. Where was it? Let me know next time, I'll try to make it out. :thu:
 
Oh dayum....I'm just seeing this on 2/26, so obviously missed your show. Looks like a nice venue. Where was it? Let me know next time, I'll try to make it out. :thu:
sweet!

Epicure in Fairfax hosts one every Thursday. Soo-Jin and I will likely be there most Thursdays, as we're the only two without a lot of stage experience (she hasn't been on stage in some time, and I've never been). I won't speak for @Chad , but hoping he can come out a bunch. :) It'll just be the three of us tomorrow. Saturday, it'll just be S-J and I at a private party. As for next week, we'll see how rehearsal goes on Sunday. :grin:
 
sweet!

Epicure in Fairfax hosts one every Thursday. Soo-Jin and I will likely be there most Thursdays, as we're the only two without a lot of stage experience (she hasn't been on stage in some time, and I've never been). I won't speak for @Chad , but hoping he can come out a bunch. :) It'll just be the three of us tomorrow. Saturday, it'll just be S-J and I at a private party. As for next week, we'll see how rehearsal goes on Sunday. :grin:

nice - love Epicure. Gus is a national treasure. My swing band plays there and hosts a jam session the second Sunday of every month - or at least did and will again once it’s warm enough to set up on the roof or in the parking lot again. And inside once the Covid is under control & we’re all vaccinated
 
nice - love Epicure. Gus is a national treasure. My swing band plays there and hosts a jam session the second Sunday of every month - or at least did and will again once it’s warm enough to set up on the roof or in the parking lot again. And inside once the Covid is under control & we’re all vaccinated
oh sweet! Let's meet up when we can!

Does your band play on Fridays? S-J forgot to unplug the unique power cord that runs her board one night, and I had to go back the next day to get it, and I think a swing band was setting up...
 
I don’t like to bash performers at open mics because we all had to start someplace, and I have plenty of room for improvement. My one criticism is not about the performer’s ability, but rather their song selection and arrangements. Too many slow-to-mid tempo, earnest singer-songwriter strummy tunes. Too much Dylan-esque music. It can make for a long night when the music starts to sound the same. It’s great when someone mixes it up with an upbeat, fun song arranged for solo guitar or piano.

I tend to perform all uptempo stuff, particularly when I only have three-four songs to make an impression. Or two uptempo, one ballad, and then one roof-ripper. :helper:
 
oh sweet! Let's meet up when we can!

Does your band play on Fridays? S-J forgot to unplug the unique power cord that runs her board one night, and I had to go back the next day to get it, and I think a swing band was setting up...
.

I’d dig that. I’m hoping to get up there a lot more often - its a bit of a drive for me so I didn’t go much prior to the pandemic but am hoping to change that. We haven’t played there on Fridays before although I did go on a Friday to watch the “eclectic jam” once.
 
.

I’d dig that. I’m hoping to get up there a lot more often - its a bit of a drive for me so I didn’t go much prior to the pandemic but am hoping to change that. We haven’t played there on Fridays before although I did go on a Friday to watch the “eclectic jam” once.

Epicure has opened back up. They had the open mic last Thursday. They have gotten rid of some tables and spread it out a bit.
 
Epicure has opened back up. They had the open mic last Thursday. They have gotten rid of some tables and spread it out a bit.
that way, we can still all get COVID, but just a little later into the evening.

:grin:

I kid, mostly, I'm almost back in.
 
Epicure has opened back up. They had the open mic last Thursday. They have gotten rid of some tables and spread it out a bit.

excellent. I’m 2 weeks past my second shot now & willing to play inside again. We were there on 4/11 under a tent in the parking lot and got hit with a sideways hailstorm 3 songs into the first set. I was recording multitrack audio, had a videographer on site to help us make a new reel. . . . It was a shitshow. First show in months - I’m trying not to take it as a sign from the universe.
 
excellent. I’m 2 weeks past my second shot now & willing to play inside again. We were there on 4/11 under a tent in the parking lot and got hit with a sideways hailstorm 3 songs into the first set. I was recording multitrack audio, had a videographer on site to help us make a new reel. . . . It was a shitshow. First show in months - I’m trying not to take it as a sign from the universe.
at least you'll never forget it. :)
 
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