openmikes.org

The Lizard Lounge

Upcoming Dates ?
Mon, Jul 21
Mon, Jul 28
Mon, Aug 04
Mon, Aug 11
Mon, Aug 18

Open Mike
Every Monday at 7:30

Hosted by Tom Bianchi

1667 Mass. Ave.
Cambridge, MA

617-547-0759

Is there a drum set? Are Dummers invited?

ShaneO (5/2008)

AMAZING MIKE!!!

The competitive aspect is extremely low key and comfortable, very light and respectful, and is an excellent opportunity to become a better performer. Mikes that don't offer feedback are a dime a dozen - if someone's competition-phobic, they have their choices of… hmm… let's see now… uh… EVERY OTHER MIKE ANYWHERE AROUND AT ALL FROM ANY LIST AT ANY TIME.

No longer encouraging? This mike? I couldn't disagree more. I have been there many nights when people who couldn't pull off an Em chord and tone deaf people whose lyrics were COMPLETELY INCOHERENT played, and Tom Bianchi was so supportive and welcoming I thought I'd tear up.

The best musicians in the world constantly and continually subject themselves to white-hot razor-sharp scrutiny. They know it's the way to improve. The comparatively mild real-world professional feedback at the Lizard is an out and out blessing. Music is art, but it's also a service. No-ones going to listen to me but my mother if I stick my head in the sand and demand freedom from evaluation - that's for children. I'm fooling myself if I think listener response doesn't matter in music. May as well paint something and hang it on the wall backwards - what's the point of performing - selfish indulgence alone?

GREAT MIKE, Lizard people - keep it rollin - someday I'm gonna win it, thanks to critical feedback.

The rest of you can stay home and play for mom. All one of her will love it.

M. (3/2008)

Is the open mic strictly 21+?

Anonymous (3/2008)

Yes, the open mike is in a bar, and everyone must be 21+

Tony Lovell (3/2008)

have you a piano?

emilie (12/2007)

Yes, there is an upright which is double-miked. A great place to play piano.

Tony Lovell (3/2008)

I think the Lizard Lounge provides the best open mike in the Boston area. Great sound system, a respectful listening room, and beer. It is the only open mike I've found in Boston that strikes this fun balance (Passim hits 1 and 2, but has the same zesty punch as a visit to a wax museum). The competitive angle is downplayed in the extreme, and I'm surprised to hear that anyone takes it as a detraction.

Format is 2 songs per person (or 10 minutes for those not working in song-based material).

Tony (11/2007)

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