openmikes.org

Rubio - you're pointing out why it shouldn't be listed on an open mic forum. these places basically just do covers b/c the tourist crowds like to hear stuff that is familiar, and a backup band helps to fill in as elevator music - and to enforce a certain selection of songs (i.e., probably don't go even if you want to do straight up jazz standards). i'd be surprised if they could even read charts live. It is an "r&b" session, as you say - nothing "open" about it.

D.d., don't confuse it with an "open mic", of which there are thousands in north america, and a number of noteworthy ones in the NYC. (i have no idea what this guy is talking about.) these r&b mics are actually not much better than karaoke in the end - usually a tourist trap - and filled with struggling contract musicians that would rather be doing anything else.

Anonymous (2/2012)

I just got back from this… wonderful event, the quality of musicians is high, everything is run on a very professional tip. I was sick as a dog but nonetheless stayed the whole night. To our Brit friend, yeah those types of events where people get up and play original material don't really fly in North America because the audiences get really bored and leave. I'm a professor of music and I often tell my students to learn 1000 songs before attempting to compose, that way they can avoid the trap of unknowingly doing a busted version of the music they like best :P

And if it's your first time there, it's understandable that they won't put you up at peak crowd times until they know you're not just good but EXCELLENT. And there were a couple keyboard players who got up on occasion, so it would seem the event is open to instrumentalists.

Rubio (1/2012)

I was new to NYC and to USA and wanted to check some places one week so I tried to do 2 clubs a night. On one Thursday I went to Sugar Bar. It was my first night out so at that point I didn't know that "open mike" does not mean a "singer songwriter's event" as I was used to in London, for instance. So I found out that it was an R&B session. I was a bit disappointed because I wanted to play an original/ to promote myself.

I came really early - before 9pm sign up time. Host Andre seemed a very nice guy, but not to me, unfortunately. He wrote names down and there were people who signed up as the show went on and they got to sing right away. I had to wait till 12:40am - that is - 4 hours.

The woman before me sang a song which I knew from hearing but didn't know the lyrics and she finished it and the band continued to play. She went off the stage and the band just kept playing. At that moment as the band still played he announced me and forced me to stage by saying "you go now or you'll not go at all" even though I said that the band still played and as I went and they still played and ignored me and instead of standing there I was so mad because the crowd looked on me like on an idiot and I was pissed off so since they played a vamp I started to sing a scat solo and then the band suddenly stopped - cut off like with a knife. So the crowd ridiculed me. I saw the host laughing. Well, I had to say something from the stage and told some jokes and sang what I was up to sing and the thing with a black crowd is if they really see you love what you do and you are good, they love you no matter what. At the end of the song the crowd was singing with me and they loved it and many came up afterwards saying it was great. So since I sang after the break, I felt like this was arranged to kick my ass. I don't want to think that because I always tend to think the best of everyone, but knowing some stories from jazz musicians first time coming to sessions in NYC in 60ties etc., it seemed like arranged thing.

I didn't feel there welcome at all and as I go out for networking, I came alone and if you go out in NYC for a month every single night, you don't want necessary to eat like a king everywhere. I assume kitchen is very good there, place gets very crowded and they have a good variety of drinks. Band is excellent, knows all r&b, soul and gospel standards in all keys and other performers are great. Public is really supportive.

As of me, because of my experiences with the host, I probably won't go there anymore because I have some self respect (and by now some other contacts and gigs). There are other r&b sessions in NYC with friendly hosts and excellent ambiente, great band and performers and with a great public.

d.d. (8/2011)

The host is a strange dude with big attitude. Otherwise, it would be a cool place.

Daryl G. (6/2011)

How can I register for open mike this Thursday May 12, 2011

Liz (5/2011)

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