openmikes.org

The bar is nice. Nice setup, and good sound guy (although he didn't seem really into it that night). Lottery system is fair. But the secret is that the regular performers sign up for spots in the middle and then leave as soon as they sign up. They perform, and then leave as soon as they perform (with a few exceptions). As songwriters, the crowd is not very strong - there are not a lot of trained musicians (if you're looking to meet musicians, this probably isn't the place to go to). There are some good singers who can write passable songs, and perform them well. The lack of interest in other performers makes this a little tough for people looking to network. But it was not unenjoyable, and the bar did draw a decent crowd of non-performers.

Anonymous (7/2011)

The regulars sign up and then leave, come to perform and then leave when they are done (with a few exceptions). Not the strongest songwriting crowd but not bad. Be early enough for the lottery drawing to determine signup priority. Signup is fair. Just had musicians that aren't interested in hearing others.

Anonymous (7/2011)

is this for spoken word

Anonymous (10/2010)

I'm moving to New York. I'm a singer-songwriter/part of a band. My intentions are school the rocking the music scene. This looks like a good place to start… hello brooklyn!!!

John G (6/2010)

It would seem that Terribletim really thinks this is a censorship bar. I curse constantly on that stage and no one has ever said a thing to me. I have heard comedians say utterly filthy things and still nothing (but maybe laughter). Maybe it is just that Terrible Tim makes music as bad as his name (which is ridiculous).

Anyway, I have played several open mics in this city and Bar 4 is easily the best. The talent is head and shoulders above everywhere else. The sound is great (especially for a place that actually has an open mic, because most open mic places have terrible sound and the equipment is dilapidated). The room is great. Honestly, people shouldn't complain about playing at one in the morning. The purpose of an open mic is not to showcase your talent (or not completely anyway). The real purpose of an open mic is to meet people and get your foot in the door of the music scene (or just simply to try new things out and just have fun on stage). People who come and play and leave and don't come again generally have nothing to contribute artistically anyway. Also, usually the people that don't try to mingle, have the worst and most pretentious stuff as it is (and a grandly inflated view of themselves AND their music).

Play during the late night, it's the best time of the night. Less people in the room and the talent is usually stacked in the late night hours.

sound system: check

piano: check

drumset: check

bass amp: check

guitar amp: check

sound guy: check

bring your guitar or use the piano that is already there. Very professional open mic.

luke (3/2010)

Show all 23 comments...