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"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Open Mics are usually sessions where each performance is "self contained" and should be as broad in scope as the people turn up to contribute. A solo singer/guitarist, or a pianist or a duo that have practiced something together.
The Jam Night evenings where there's a drumkit and some amps provided are generally harder to manage and harder to participate in. Some people will want to play and they've never played with other people before. So they don't know how to listen properly (to themselves or others) or play in an ensemble. And then you have the added challenge that everyone learns a song by listening to different arrangements or versions and you only find out when you try and perform it for the first time.
Some so-called Open Mics are really Showcase sessions intended to provide a platform for people looking for gigs to strut their stuff and persuade people to book them. They can be competitive rather than supportive and I don't like them.
A good Open Mic will have someone organising it who makes sure people who want to play something feel welcome. If you can play a song through without making a total pigs ear of it, then you're a candidate. If you're the worst person there, everyone will still be nice and supportive - encouraging you to come next time. It will help you improve - as long as you practice in between times.
Have a go!
Feedback
...and the worst singer. :-(
You never really get someone who can't play at all. I have a feeling if you couldn't play at all you wouldn't get a second shot.
The night we ran was basically anything goes. We backed people to Elvis, Adele, Sinatra, Neil Young, John Mayer ... basically had a go at anything, switching keys and just feeling it through. If I wasn't already playing in 4 gig'ing bands I would start another one up tomorrow.
Before we went up to have a knock a chap wandered over who know the singer and we got chatting. He was giving it large and talking about what he's up to; song writing and all that. She mentioned he teaches guitar at the local 'academy' etc. At this point I start to think that maybe I should have put a bit more time in
He got up to play before us and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. F'kin terrible. I mean 'please floor open up' terrible. Perhaps the worst live music I've ever had to endure for 20 minutes.
I do wonder what possess these people.
He disappeared shortly after we played..
As for being inclusive - oh we are, we will absolutely let ( and encourage ) everyone have a go. I am just saying I have difficulty with the ones who, for example, take one look and think: "That must be easy" and won't stop. Despite knowing literally nothing about what they are doing.
I bloody love seeing people have a go, I really do. it's just this one guy...
This is really warming, as I've only been along to a couple of open mic nights before, the performers were all pretty polished and the organisers were quite serious, so I always assumed you had to be really good to have a go or you would get laughed out/thrown out!
Sort of admire those who have tons of confidence (or are totally oblivious to people around them) to get up and play something terribly and not die of shame, but yeah you don't want it ruining the night or driving people away.
Can I ask whereabouts this pub is?
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