openmikes.org

We will be following the traditional open mic format - each band/artist plays 3 songs, or roughly 15 minutes worth of music. Bands/artists need to arrive at 7:30pm for check in. The performance order will be selected at random and announced from stage. The first band will start at 8pm, and the night should end by 11:30pm or shortly after.

Who's invited to play?

Everyone! We are encouraging all styles of music to come and play, and at all experience levels. An ideal night in our minds would include rock, funk, world, rap, jazz, acoustic, metal, r&b, and would feature everyone from first time performers to seasoned veterans. While we are able to accommodate a full band set up, acoustic acts are also encouraged to sign up. Bring your friends by to come watch you as well.

What's the scene like?

Not your usual Cubby Bear scene. Surprisingly, the Cubby Bear has almost no walk in crowd on nights when there isn't a home game. Hence, the crowd on these nights will be made up of musicians and music lovers attending these events. You definitely won't have to worry about playing or listening to a song over a crowded batch of sports fans yelling at TVs.

We want this event to develop into a nurturing and beneficial scene for all the musicians involved. Experienced bands/artists will be able to use it as an opportunity to promote an upcoming show, make new fans, sell some albums, try out new songs in a live setting, or even audition a new member. Newer bands/artists will get an opportunity to experience performing on a professional stage, gain confidence playing in front of others, meet other bands to book shows with, and give their friends a chance to see them in a real live setting.

The Cubby Bear has an excellent stage with top quality sound and lighting equipment. There will be a dedicated sound technician to take care of your needs. We also have some fantastic drink specials - $2 Stoli drinks and MIller products.

How do I sign up?

Unlike most open mics that put out a sign up sheet on the evening of the event, we will be doing sign up ahead of time via email. This ensures that all bands/individuals are clear on the logistics.

To sign up, simply send an email to: cubbyinfo@hotmail.com and include the following:

1. Band/Artist Name
2. Contact info (email/cell phone)
3. Date you wish to play
4. # of members / instrumentation
5. any special needs for sound
6. any other comments / requests

And we will email you back asap to confirm your spot. We welcome return artists- sign up as often as you'd like. If a particular week is already full, we will email you back about future Tuesday options. We don't spam or share your email with anyone.

BANDS/ARTISTS - make sure you read the additional Q&A below prior to signing up:

What Can I Bring?

Vocalists - Consider yourself taken care of. There will be enough mics on stage to accommodate up to 5 vocalists.

Guitarists - Electric and Acoustic guitars are both welcome. We will have 2 guitar amps on stage for use (models yet to be determined - they will be high quality, likely tube amps). DI boxes will be available for acoustic players. Bring a few pedals if you have them/need them, but please: nothing that would take more than would take one trip to load on to the stage.

Bassists - Acoustic and Electric basses are both welcome. We will have an Ampeg SVT rig for electric basses, as well as a DI or mic for acoustic. Pedals are welcome, but please observe the same rule as listed above for guitarists.

Keyboardists - Of course they are welcome as well! DI boxes will be provided. Please bring no more than one keyboard, as well as a stand for it. If you have a chair/throne that you prefer to sit on, you may bring it as well.

Drummers - Trick Drums of Schaumburg has provided us with an amazing 5 piece custom house kit. All hardware is included, as well as hi-hat, 2 crashes and a ride (all high end Zildjian models). Drummers are welcome to bring their own sticks. If necessary, the drummer can also bring: a bass drum beater, their own snare drum, one cymbal of their own.

Other instruments - We will have additional mics/DI's on stage to accommodate other instruments that your band may have. Make sure you mention what these instruments are in your email and we'll work it out.

What Can't I Bring?

We want to ensure that set up/tear down time is kept to a minimum. You should be able to hop on stage holding your instruments, plug in, tune up, and be ready to play. A good rule of thumb to have is this - if it takes more than one trip on stage to bring your gear up, don't bring it! We are striving to have high quality gear on stage that all performers will be comfortable with. That being said, here's the details:

Guitarists/Bassists - Please do NOT bring your own amps. Please don't bring any elaborate pedal or staging setups that would require additional time for set up and tear down.

Keyboardists - Please try not to bring more than one keyboard. Multiple people playing individual keyboards is ok, provided that everything can be set up on stage in a quick manner.

Drummers - Please do NOT bring your own drum kit. Ideally, you should only need to bring your sticks. However, we know that many drummers have a particular snare or cymbal that's quintessential to their sound. Try not to bring anything more than would take you 3 minutes to set up.

When should we show up?

Be there by 7:30pm to check in at the registration table. We'll make sure we have all the details for your act so we can get you on stage and comfortable as fast as possible when it comes time for you to play.

Can I promote the show/tell my friends?

Please do - the more the merrier. Bring your own cheering section!