openmikes.org

CARL AND THE GUYS DO A GREAT JOB SUPPORTING THE JAM NIGHT AT THE CREST.

REGARDS

SHANE

Shane O'Brien (8/2011)

To say it's an "Open Mic" is a bit of a misnomer as it's more of a very rough jam.

I went there last night thinking that I would get up there and play three songs solo and then another performer would come up. Unfortunately, the cover musicians were setting up behind me prepared to be my insta-band WITHOUT ASKING. Not cool.

On one hand, I appreciate the guys wanting to play and back me up, but on the other more sensible hand, I've played enough that unless you're doing the blues, it will turn into a muddled mess as they don't know your original tunes, obviously. So, as all jams eventually deteriorate into, the songs turned to either blues or covers.

At first I was told I could play three songs. Okay, that's standard. Then when they learned I wanted to do it solo, it was cut to TWO. Lame.

Essentially it's a bunch of older guys who know each other and use this "open mic" as an excuse to play covers on a Thursday. I was told that the musicians "share" by playing with each other. That's not sharing, that's the bottom common denominator.

My suggestion is two-fold:

For the band, let open mic musicians do their thing. Don't ASSUME they want you to play with you. They want to try new material and having some strangers on drums and guitars isn't "sharing," it just makes everyone sound sloppy.

Second. Let us do THREE songs solo. I mean, I drove a bit for it, do me the courtesy of scraping out my three tunes. They're not long epic viking songs.

On the positive note, even with these criticisms, the guys were all nice people and there was Guinness on tap.

I just wish it was a true OPEN mic.

BB1970 (7/2010)

Sorry you were disappointed, but with the number of musicians turning up we can't give stage time to soloists. It is a jam not a audition for originals. The musicians are very capble of backing up and Jamming with anyone.

CJB (7/2011)

Are minors allowed at your open mic sessions?

Matt Reyes (7/2009)

Yes until 10 pm.

CJB (7/2011)

There is no Comedy at this Open Mic.

Aristotle Athiras (7/2009)

You look great Carl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Rosie

Rosie (5/2009)

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