openmikes.org

I am a veteran musician who plays consistently with my band (at moderate to large size environmental venues and progressive events throughout the New York//Hudson Valley region). I have played at this open mic a number of times over the last four years when I want to "try out" new songs. I, also, have found it to be one of the best open mikes in the five boroughs of NYC. The performers are generally a "cut above"… , both in musicianship and in writing ability… , (although the talent IS skewered slightly more towards performance than originality). The audience is the performers and (with some rude exceptions) they tend to listen well and to be considerate and supportive. Kate is a "doll" as a host… , very gracious and very professional… , and, despite the criticism below, she always has seemed to me to be fair and even-handed. Over-all a very good experience.

Chris Kitlan Burns (11/2011)

Nice open mike, but it gets very cramped when so many performers show up. You have no place to put your guitar case. If you get a high number in the lottery, you may not want to stay. Of the musicians I saw, none I felt were intimidating. But they were good. Moreover, I find that many of these places are dominated by folk music. If you play rock, especially progressive or metal, you might really stand out and feel as if you don't fit in. Also, there is a bar, so that means people might talk during your set. In a small setting like this, it really sucks to hear conversations while you're playing, and you have to try not to let it bother you and/or mess up your performance.

Angathas (11/2011)

Went here tonight, it was really great. I got lost, so I couldn't make it in time to pick from the lottery system, but Kate (host and server) made room for me at the end. Everyone was really nice, but I'm kind of shy so I only talked to a few people. This is probably the best open mic in nyc. The talent is great and the atmosphere is amazing. The musicianship is a bit intimidating, but I'm definitely going back… I feel like i can learn a lot from the acts there. It was great.

Anonymous (10/2011)

The secret to signing up at this open mic is to go at least a half hour early (before the signup time listed) and sit at the bar. If you don't do that, watch for the line that mysteriously starts to form, and get in that line. First 30 people get to perform (and nobody else - unless you're lukcy). Those 30 draw their slots lottery style. If non-regulars were clued in to the system, it would be fair - so thats why i'm posting.

Songwriting talent is not strong - this is a pool of many strong singers (stronger than any other place in memory) who write palatable singer-songwriter tunes and perform them well. That said, given the piano, and the presence of a number of piano-singer-songwriters, there is more potential for meeting instrumentalists. (The guitar-singer-songwriters were also more strong on piano than other places). Performers tend to listen to other performers, but towards the end (say, last 45 minutes or so), a lot of people leave. First 20 performers get 2 songs - last 10 or so (after 10pm) get 1 song.

The open mic was run very professionally - they don't make exceptions for people.

Jerry (7/2011)

so was just there at 6:00 PM, and was surprised to find a loooong line of people with their guitar cases lining up to pull numbers out of a hat… I would get there at 5:45…

Anonymous (7/2011)

This 'open mic' is a disgrace.

It's basically been sabotaged by a handful of cliquey musicians who know the staff so dont have to be there at the (outrageous) 6pm sign up.

This would be mildy acceptable, if it was running all night and everyone had a chance to play (eg Sidewalk Cafe)… but it stops by 11pm.

Prepare to see the same group of self congratulating musicians play the same songs every week in the same prime slots.

Ray (5/2011)

It's a shame that you think this open mic is a disgrace. I think you should do your research before commenting about the cliquey musicians, sabotaging the night. Most of those musicians your ranting about have been coming to Vivaldi for over well over a year, consistently, and come on time and stay the entire night. Kate, the gracious and talented host, always says that you can call ahead or speak to her if you work late and can't make the sign up. Some of those musicians that you see walking in late, have done so.

You should be grateful that you stumbled upon a COMMUNITY of musicians who week after week, come back with songs (old or new) to sit, listen, catch up, and appreciate the warm environment that Caffe Vivaldi offers. Maybe you should try reaching out to some of those "cliquey musicians" instead of judging them, and the open mic, so harshly.

Anonymous (6/2011)

Show all 27 comments...