openmikes.org

what kind of music can you play here? I was thinking of cliffs of dover by eric johnson alone on guitar

Ryan (1/2010)

I was there a few months back, for the first time. I called in to reserve a slot, and there was no problem. The other musicians were nice. The crowd was larger than I had expected: not very attentive, but polite. I'd like to go back when I can.

Dave (10/2009)

If you get there on time before the open mike starts no one will have any problem getting a spot, I always have and I don't consider myself "one of the buddies". the host scott is very accomodating and he really does his best at letting every one play who wants to play. It sounds like some kind of missunderstnding or lack of communication or something.

Mr Hip (8/2009)

I'll echo what Mr. Hip said. I've been there 3 or 4 times, and always got to play. Everyone was really receptive of my act, despite the fact that most who play there are much more accomplished musicians than I am. Over the 3 or 4 times, I've gotten to know a few by name, and spoken to many others. Everyone is friendly, particularly the host, Scott. There's no question that this is not only a great open mic, it's the best I've ever been to. The sound and the talent are first rate.

Lee Stanley (2/2010)

This really isn't an open mic - I've been several times BEFORE sign up and it fills up with all his friends - so please, call it what it is - "Scott and his buddies" - no offense, there's some good music, but unless your "in" - you can count yourself out.

Anonymous (8/2009)

Sorry, but I don't know what this means. Count yourself out of what? Did you not get to play? Did you get less time than anyone else? Was the crowd unappreciative or rude? It is a neighborhood venue, and Scott has been hosting it for nine years. So, yes, a lot of the same people, neighbors, and players come every week, and have been attending for a long time. I've attended for over 5 years at three different venues. That might make it a little more like a club than a showcase. But I sure hope you're not saying it was unfriendly or unwelcoming. There are many open mics that fill up quickly. Heck, there's one that requires you to be signed in a month in advance! What you might be describing is a lot of the jams that occur when some of the regulars join each other on stage during their sets. That has always occurred at this open mic, and if you felt like you were left out of that sort of thing, I would just recommend you keep coming. Make youself known and ask somebody to sit in with you, or if you can sit in with them. That happens a lot. In the last three weeks there have been at least four first-time performers. They were very good and some of them found time to come back. One tip - you can try calling Java Joe's before the open mic, and ask them to pass a note along to Scott requesting him to hold a slot for you. He will get it as soon as he arrives to set up and can add your name to the list. It helps, also, if you know what time you'd like to go on. Some folks who drive a long way like to go on early so they can get home at a reasonable hour. Others can stay all night. It's very rare that everyone doesn't get to go on before the place closes. Gotta tell you, though, it might take a while before someone bakes you a birthday cake. ;^)

Mark (9/2009)

all ages?

Anonymous (7/2009)

Show all 12 comments...