Ballydoyle
Every Wednesday at 8pm
5157 Main St.
Downers Grove, IL
| phone: | 630-969-0600 |
|---|---|
| venue: | ballydoylepub.com |
| event: | ballydoylepub.com/open_mic/index.htm |
- ? Hi, I am a representative from the art institute in Schaumburg, a commercial arts college focusing on design, fashion, media arts and culinary. I'd love to attend some of your open mic nights and set up a table to promote our school (I would not be selling anything). Please let me know if we can set something up, I'd love to reach out to the creative Community. Thank you so much!
- reply to this commentBrooke (11/2012)
- Tried on numerous occasions to either sit in or play solo I'd show up about half hour or soon er when started guy tells me come back next week young dude that runs it sucks they seem to have whole nite planned before it even starts plus six bucks for tap beer that's all foam place is crappolla had a band that played three songs about there taint
- reply to this commentblowfish (8/2012)
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PROS: This place has a great stage. It's got plenty of space for multiple players and to move around with ease. They've got plenty of SM57s for backup vocals & instruments, and a lead mic which I didn't identify. On top of that, they have an awesome PA and monitor system, as well as an in-house mixer to control it. You can hear your vocals very well. There are some lights focused on the stage from the ceiling, but it's not "stage lighting" per se. A 4-piece drumset is also provided which is semi-mic'd.
[If you play mostly cleans and perhaps with a modest overdrive pedal, you're golden. If your style is generally lighter, from acoustic to medium rock, this is the place for you.]
CONS: While the equipment they provide is excellent, the sound guy is not very accomodating of a heavier style. They're simply not tolerant of the distortion levels necessary to form a synergy with heavier drumming. As a result, your songs suffer greatly and your guitar is basically inaudible when it comes time for that epic, huge-sounding chorus. They're more lenient with clean volume but even that was lacking for the type of music we play. In addition to that, there are no monitors for the drummer, so it literally sounds like you're playing by yourself. You can hear the vocals somewhat but that's about it.
[If you play heavier songs with a more metallic type of distortion/sustain and harder drumming, this is probably not the place for you.]
- reply to this commentAnonymous (4/2012)
- ? Can inspiring rap artists perform?
- reply to this commentShwanna Burks (1/2012)
- They had drums every time I have played there. Sometimes they can also supply an excellent drummer !
- reply to this commentchris (8/2011)
- ? I play in a full band and we would like to do open mic, question is,is a drum kit provided?
- reply to this commentbob haak (3/2011)
- ? Is it still full bands? I'm a harp player and would like to come play without bringing my own band.
- reply to this comment
Dennis Da Menace (8/2010)
- ? do you do comedy?
- reply to this commentmelissa (1/2010)
- I just got done playing this venue. It is a stellar place, the employees and crowd were really kind and helpful. Despite a few acts that take themselves way too seriously it was a great time. The sound guy is top notch and did an awesome job of giving me the best levels in the monitors and house speakers. Tonight was another installment of battle of the bands… though I was competing, I could have cared less about the competition and more about sharing my music. Thanks to Ballydoyle… I will be back there again next week.
- reply to this commentBobby Schaub (9/2009)
- I just love this place! The crowd, the musicians, the host! It's all good! An awesome place to play!
- reply to this comment
A Nonymous (2/2009)
- So… after Vernam (tom)as host came Brian. Then an imposter, er, I mean, fellow tried his hand. Not good. BUT!!! Brian is back hosting and things seem pretty darn good… again! He handles the talent well, the crowd better and makes it an all-around great place. c-ya there!
- reply to this commentjim shoe (12/2007)
- Vernam no longer hosts this open mic. A new guy does and it now seems to be geared towards full bands as opposed to individuals. Bands played in the old days too but were out-numbered by individuals. today the opposite is true.
- reply to this commentjim shoe (5/2007)
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Great room, stage is elevated and is surrounded on three sides by tables. They have a pro sound man making you sound your best. The night I played they had the Bose sound system--needless to say things sounded Good!
The following week they have CD's of the previous open Mic, so you'll have a nice live demo of your act.
Highly recomended place to play.
- reply to this commentGary "g-man" Wesselhoff (4/2005)