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The back up band is a highly talented group of rock-jazz musicians who, in addition to backing me up on three songs, played a number of their own selections. They were really VERY good. They offered the option of sitting in on their performance, or taking the lead and having them follow.

I played an amplified acoustic and did three songs that I wrote. I chose songs with simple chords since the band had never played them before, and it came off fairly well. I would suggest that if you're going to do this that you be sure that the monitors are audible for the other band members, since, as talented as they are, it will be first time through.

If your thing is electric and you have a pretty good skill level, this could be an awesome opportunity, these guys are seriously good at it! If you're just starting out, don't do it till you have more experience. You might want to come one night to see if the shoe fits first.

Jeffrey Greene (8/2009)

This would more correctly be termed an open jam instead of an open mic. Joe's band is paid to be the back-up band for the evening (and as such they do take breaks). They do allow individuals to come up and play their own music however the norm is playing along with the back-up band where one or two persons are substituted into the band. Although you generally have to play whatever song Joe is playing, I do enjoy playing along and I don't have to sing. I do agree that there is occasionally some favoritism to particular players who get more jam time and that equal time for everyone is not well enforced, however Joe's band is paid entertainment and he is trying to put on a good show with the people available. The band also performs a quieter set from 8 to 9 on their own before the jam starts. They keep it quieter early on to allow for people eating dinner. The Jam can get really good at times. I certainly recommend it for someone who wants to play along with a professional band.

Brad (6/2008)

a few points

If they allow full bands to just show up or be formed by waiting players then there would be music during thier breaks.

The are paid to host a OPEN MIC as billed, not play a gig.

For the Loud music comment. Loud does not equal Tone or Dynamics. Loud turns the music into mushy fuzz.

Anonymous (6/2008)

This is the only, so called, "open mic" venue that takes breaks, several at 10-20 minutes per pop, leaving eager musicians staring into space. This is a tragedy especially when some musicians are unable to play as a result of time constraints. There is a real problem with "time fairness" and predictability. Also, now get this: the manager doesn't like loud music!?

Anonymous (5/2008)

I agree this is more Joe, his friends and their students play for you. I feel the whole full bands have to talk to Joe one week before in person not in the open mic vibe.

Anonymous (12/2007)

I would not call this an open mic. It is a jam with the "Joe Show". If you want to play with his band he will throw you a bone. If you are there to perform your own music, good luck! You have to be very persistant. I have seen musicians walk out without having the opportunity to play. Shame.

Cindy (12/2007)

I was referring to the venue regardless of whether it was or not a "Joe Show". I did not know Joe before I performed there and I was accorded a warm welcome on both occasions. If it were not for the 60 minute commute, I would regularly go there. Perhaps this is the only place where acoustic and electric are segregated for convenience. So if you came in late for the first half, it is unlikely but not impossible to cross over to the second half. I am not Joe's spokesperson- I am just like you and everyone else trying to create good music on stage. So don't give up this place as of yet.

Venky (12/2007)

I know you are a harp (harmonica) player, watch the volume Joe affords you, chances are nobody heard you. He mixes down many folks too low in the mix.

Anonymous (2/2008)

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