openmikes.org

P.A.C.E. - Pioneer Arts Center of Easthampton

Upcoming Dates ?
Wed, Sep 03
Wed, Sep 10
Wed, Sep 17
Wed, Sep 24
Wed, Oct 01

Open Mike
Every Wednesday at 6:30pm

41 Union Street
Easthampton, MA

413-527-3700

No No! It's not "Forget your fear and play,"--it's "Forget your fear and pay, pay, pay" (to sing), my man.

Claggart (5/2008)

I played in public for the first time in January, 2007, traveling all the way to Club Passim in Boston to play one song. Lucky I went because I ran into an Easthampton resident at Passim's who told me of this great place, PACE in Easthampon. The next night I played for the second time ever at PACE and the crowd support compared to Passim's was so encouraging. I put my stage fright behind me and didn't look back. Now 30 songs written and going strong and PACE has invited me to do a show on 5/30 (2 hours, 18 songs- all written since then). I've given my $3.00 and $5.00 donations gladly to this non-profit and the concert will be a benefit with every dollar going back to this wonderful organization. What makes PACE so special is the people- all giving and no ego, just wanting to support artists in the Valley. Thank you PACE; if it weren't for this organization my music would still be cloistered up and collecting dust. I would highly recommend PACE to anyone who dreams of getting out there and saying something. Forget your fear and play, PACE will be there for you if we keep supporting this wonderful place.

Frank Cable (5/2008)

Bishop's Lounge open mic having shut down, the singing fee at "comfy" P.A.C.E has now soared to $5. When will it stop?

T. Fielding (4/2008)

The Bishop's Lounge in Northampton has not shut down, though it is no longer advertised in the Valley Advocate. Coincidentally, P.A.C.E is now sponsored by the Valley Advocate. Sorry for the error

T. Fielding (5/2008)

A pretty frumpy atmosphere on my last sighting. Really amateurish and ingrown with regulars. The pay to sing routine really sticks in the crawdad, feels demeaning and spoils the spirit of the thing (you know, the wandering troubadour coming in to pass the hat; certainly not being hit by a fee to sing, for goodness sakes!) Can you imagine Dylan paying a fee? Come on PACE! Just put signs up and suggest people contribute by buying some of your %$#@&*&$# food and drink. Get creative, generate customers. Hey! This is America, not the stodgy old USSR (though Mass. is 48th business start-ups). Rumor has it, by the way, that crazy nearby city NoHo has a great new start-up business: it's now charging musicians $25/year to perform on the streets. So much for free speech in America. Passim started all this fee to sing thing, you know. On bright side, it's good to see other Open Mics (Basement etc) come back after so long an absence. Miss the Fire and Water, Black Sheep, and Iron Horse though.

T. Fielding (3/2008)

The valley has many more open mikes (Bishop's, The Basement,The Yellow Sofa… ), but PACE remains a hidden gem. You get to play on a stage with proper lighting, great sound and a great crowd. This is not a bar where you compete with a bartender mixing drinks or drunk patrons. If you want to play a real open mike this is the place. PACE is an arts center and runs largely on donations, so the $3.00 suggested is nothing, plus you can have a meal while taking in the performances and there is alcohol served if you're so inclined. Regarding the sound it's exceptional, you can play by youself or with a band. Please come down and bring your new songs, energy and spirit! PACE embodies the best of the open mike experience.

Frank (2/2008)

Show all 10 comments...