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#574819 01/11/08 08:18 PM
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Come check out this open mic event featuring talented local artists...an event where you can be part of the show! So whether you sing, rap, play, read poetry or want to be part of our audience you don't want to miss this event at:
The Centre of Elgin Heritage Ballroom
100 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL 60120
Thursday, January 31, 2008
8pm-10pm
$8 in advance, $10 at the door
Call (309)826-4841 for tickets or email coordinateyourevent@hotmail.com.
hosted by Roberts Event Concepts

Last edited by Brooke; 01/11/08 08:21 PM.
Brooke #574820 01/11/08 08:23 PM
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What town, what state what country? You might get more to come if they know where to come.

Posted before edit confirmed location address.

Last edited by BIG JIM MERRILEES; 01/11/08 08:27 PM.
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Even if I lived in your neck of the woods I don't pay to play.





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You are right Jerry. The house band that supplies the PA gear normally get paid a nominal fee to cover expenses and the contributors at least get some free drinks at our open mics. It is a two way thing cause the bar makes money from the extra customers it generates. The whole essence of the thing will be spoiled if folk try and exploit money out of it. I fail to see why an event organising company need to be involved. Smells fishy to me.

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There are normally a whole bunch of open mic nights that people can play at for free. Of course, that depends where you live. I live in New Port Richey, FL, and it's less than an hour's drive to Tampa. So there are plenty of open mic nights to choose from. If you live in east nowhere, and there's no city within three hours of you, and you want to be a musician and play out, you've got a problem.

(In Tampa, the best open mic night is every 2nd and 4th Monday night at La Casa Dolce, hosted by JPF members Steve and Leigh Humes.)

And I'm with Jerry. I don't pay to play.


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I agree. And for those that don't know where to start looking for an open mic, try this link

http://openmikes.org/

I use it when I'm out of town, either on vacation or business. You select by state and it brings up a monthly calender. I normaly travel with my guitar on vacation but this lets me know if I should bring it along on business. I've had great luck with it in many different states. As always, call ahead to confirm dates.

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If they are collecting money at the door, then the musicians should be paid, and that would by that very fact not be an open mic. Why would anyone believe that musicians should pay at the door to sing for them to help the clubs make money selling booze? Mike is right about musicians giving away too much for free and not asking for appropriate compensation. Open mics are basically a scam to avoid paying for the live entertainment provided. I am not entirely opposed to open mics, but this is too much.

Any musician with half a brain should leave that place silent until they realize the error of their ways.

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WHERE????? Details and location, please!

Emily

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I've been at a couple open mic's where the artists get in for free but the general public has had to pay a cover, however, those open mic's didn't last long. One would think that the propriator would just want people to get in the door THEN spend their money. But then again, I'm not a business man and don't understand their ways. I try to use common sence.

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Most open mics we go to are paid to play but the fees are much reduced. There is never an entrance fee or hiked up bar prices. It allows amateurs to play with pros and pros to play with guys they do not normally get to play with. It allows practice of new material, experimentation and a chance to hook up with old pals. It is more a social gathering than a paid gig.
The audiences are usually knowledgable and ask for requests, a thing not usually done at proper regular gigs. The bar makes extra cash from a "normal" quiet night and everybody is happy. If we are not happy with the bar or the operation then we excercise common sense. We take it and the extra custom some place else.

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Big Jim,
That's a bit different than here. All of the open mics I've been to in the Tampa area are for the most part original music, with some covers, rarely is there any kind of fee involved, and no one ever asks the musicians to play a certain tune, unless they're friends and want to hear a certain tune the musician wrote.

As a matter of fact, the open mic I go to most had a "no covers" policy for a long time, and they've just done away with that, but the vast majority of performers play original music there.

Different strokes for different folks. I personally get bored hearing some chick with an acoustic sing Stevie Nicks tunes. I'd much rather hear original music. But the nice thing about the scenario you describe is that there's an audience. The open mic audiences around here consist of the musicians who come and whatever friends they drag with them. It's more of a support club for singer/songwriters than an anything else. But maybe that's why I enjoy it so much.





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I've hosted a few. The ones I'm familiar with, the host{usually a Pro} gets paid, and there's no cover. Most of the performers are new-comers who are just getting their feet wet as performers, and use the open mic to get valuable exerience till they're ready to look for their own paying gigs, and get their name out there. The occasional Pro will also show up just for fun or to network.


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Hi Richard you also have to remember that we do not have a great acoustic scene here. The open mics are for bands. Sometimes original but mostly covers. Seldom will anyone just sing and play acoustic guitar even at an open mic. Oh by the way usually open mic audiences number in excess of 100.

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When I looked at the title of this topic, I thought of an open mic on a board here at JPF.
Now that would really be something to hear.
I was watching a band not too long ago at a place that had horrible acoustics.
I saw the act in other places and they seermed to really soar in that establishment and sounded better.
The band must of really known their soundchecks.
But the acoustics where I live are not great either.
Though we have an outdoor concert scene called Bayfront Park that Paul Simon and Bob Dylan as well as some of the locals have played, which are often blues bands plus open mic for amatuers to get heard.
I live in a town of 85,000 (Duluth, Minnesota).

But it's fun being at open mic events every now and again.
Even karoake in a bar sometimes.
There is'nt anyone usually that is too horrendous or too good that are picked in advance like on American Idol.
I'm not into the band thing or into a particuliar genre, but I enjoy seeing open mic events every now and then.

Brooke #576786 01/18/08 06:35 PM
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This open mic is not designed to exploit musicians and artists. The cost involved includes refreshments and also secures a place for performers to perform. This event is not held at or by a bar or club where people will have to buy things once they get in. The event company listed (Roberts Event Concepts) is hosting the Open Mic NITE. It will be held in Elgin IL, USA at 100 Symphony Way. Solo artists as well as bands and duos are welcome to perform. Musicians, poets, vocalists, and comics are welcome. It’ll be a fun NITE!

Thanks

Brooke #576788 01/18/08 06:47 PM
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I got a chance to speak with someone from the company. The company rep was glad to explain the event to me and was honest and open about what the event entails. I'll be glad to pay my $8 for a cool event. I've been telling alot of people about it(maybe I can earn some cash for posting it here lol). I haven't found anything like it in my city yet.

Brooke #576791 01/18/08 07:08 PM
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I haven't heard of anything like it, and I hope this is the last time that I do.

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Agree. It's bad form to charge musicians money to play. Instead of charging musicians money to rent a place and to provide food and drinks they may or may not want, to me it makes more sense to find a business to host it. I have yet to go to an open mic in my area where the business required me to buy anything.

At La Casa Dolce, you can waltz in, bring your laptop, use their free wireless all night long, listen to all the open mic singer/songwriters, and not spend a dime. I usually buy drinks because I'm thirsty! Most every musician at least buys a coffee or something. The business makes money because people buy stuff while there, but they don't have to. The performers don't pay anything to get in. Everyone gets to hear great music. The people who host the event probably get a few bucks tossed their way from the business, but they provide the PA and the setup and teardown and they deserve it.

Now, to be honest, I'd pay 8 bucks to play if the event had a boatload of local business folks who were searching for new talent to play at their establishment. But to play in front of other musicians? Naw.







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Brooke you "got a chance to speak to someone from the company"
I thought you WERE someone from the company. You certainly sound like it.

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I get paid to play, I don't pay to play.

Don't give away what hey should be paying for. Even an open mic should provide the performers with drinks.

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Here is my take on open mics: I think that they are a great places to debut new material. They are also great places to develope a fan base. Also a good way to meet kindred spirits. They are a good source of talent, if you are looking.

I've been to lots of different open mics as both a performer and an audience member. They are very entertaining, some times you can get blown away by the power of some performances from unexpected places.

After 30 yrs doing the band thing I went out on my own. A friend of mine ran an open mic and I ended up developing my solo song list there. He would let me play six songs at a time so thats how my songlist developed. I still make my songlist out six at a time as a way to remember my roots.

The paying to play thing probably won't work. Haven't these guys ever heard of humble beginnings? Hopefully they will get what they deserve.

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It depends on the open mic. Most of the ones around here are attended primarily by musicians and the people they bring. You can get some "fans," sort of, but it's really more like a club of people who support each other - much like a Star Trek convention. smile

But I also like trying out new material at an open mic. You can usually tell when people are clapping to be polite and when they really dig something.


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Yep things sure are different in the states. There are usually about a dozen to twenty band mambers 3-4 bands. The rest is audience who just turn up to hear music. 100-200 folk on average. The band who set up the gear play several songs then invite folk to join in. The line up constantly changes.

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Big Jim, in my neck of the woods that is referred to as a Jam. There are some bands around here who do the same thing, rotate players in and out. Mostly blues players,some jazz. The open mics that I go to are "plug and play," you just bring your instrument and plug into their equipment. You can travel light, and if you time it right you can hit a few in one evening.

Its just lke anything else, its what you make of it. I have several friends who run them so I always feel comfortable when I go to one. Then there is the adventure of going to a new one where you don't know anybody. You would be suprised how quickly you can make new friends.

If you are ever on this side of the pond, especially near Buffalo NY, you'll have to check out a pretty vibrant O.M. scene almost any night of the week.

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Rick Yes we call it a jam session too. We have them on Sunday afternoons. We do proper paid gigs the rest of the time.

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I got paid to run an open mic for a little over a year. It was a sweet gig. I kept my P.A. right there too, if it took 15 minutes to set up, I was taking to long. I saw a lot of incredible talent on that stage and several musicians hooked up there as well. I kinda have a soft spot in my heart for folks who would bare their soul to a crowd of unknowns.

Occasionally the weather wouldn't cooperate and it would be snowin and blowin out, harder to get a crowd the closer it gets to zero. Those nights I would use to practice the repetoire and give the owner a break too. One hand washes the other. Sometimes it ain't all about money.

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Rick You are right sometimes it is not about the money but do not let that excuse stop you from getting paid what you are worth.

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Got that right!!

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February 1st now, I'm just curious how this pay-per-play open mic went? I just don't think I could ask my local guys to come play, and oh yeah give us some money cos if we get a little from all the performers we'll keep that and the ticket sales too, but I'm sorry there's no budget to pay the performers. Maybe I'm just from a different part of the country, but I can't imagine this working here.

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We had a new cafe/deli/eatery that serves drinks open up. They have live music Friday nd Saturday evenings and Open Mic/Karoke Thursday. all shows 7-10.

The open mic/karoke nights have been very successful. They do not charge a cover to get in that night, however, they pass around a hat and ask, but not require, a $1 donation. The performers do not get paid.

I'll be interested to see how long this all works. The karoke brings in some younger people and kids...... as well as seniors. the open mic brings in some guitarist/singers but there is not much original stuff being played. For the past two weeks, i'm the only one not doing cover.

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Passing the hat and not paying performers!
WTF!
An all time low business model.
How much do they charge to use the rest room?





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Do they allow tip jars or do you have to rent them too?

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr!



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Jerry You cannot blame business for wanting to make a fast buck and exploitation. I blame the fools who go to this kind of event and gladly part with their cash.
My son goes to Discos. There are around 2,000 folk aged late teens to thirty who pay £20 around $40 to listen to some guy playing House music (broken records). well it sounds all the same to me the same bass and drum beat ad finitum like a badly scratched record. BANAL.
The DJ gets paid a few hundred bucks and the rest is history as they say. Drink prices are about three times normal. I worke out the maths as to how much they were being ripped off and his reply was "SO?" He is nearly 28. Sheesh.
He does like proper music though well he was brought up with it. But he follows where all his pals go.

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Just found this thread.

First, I want to thank Richard for his kind words, and consistent contributions to the La Casa Dolce Open Mic.

I have paid to play at an open mic before. Decatur, Georgia at Eddie's Attic. The concept is really cool. It is a talent contest with a set number of entrants, and the entry fees go in to a "kitty" that the winner gets at the end of the night. Winners are invited back to a show with all the other winners, and a big prize is awarded to that winner. Keeps every one in their seats all night and makes for some concerted efforts, (pun intended), from the participants.

We have borrowed some of these ideas and modified them to fit our format. We do not charge anyone to play, but we do offer prizes in the forms of a monthly showcase of 3 performers doing a 45 minute set. (Which Richard has done), and then leading to an appearance on a local ABC affiliate, and a radio interview on a a local AM station.

The open mic itself is just another extension of the fellowship we have found through JPF and other musical venues. We encourage everyone to announce their gigs, and other open mics and music events they attend. There have been some interesting impromtu collaborations, and the obvious new friendships forged.

Whether the open mic be a pay for play or free, more power to getting a bunch of musicians together under one roof. A lot of song and lyric contests have entry fees. Any type of contest will need a prize, and entry fees are a great way to make the contest pay for itself.

So if there was a $10.00 open mic, what kind of talent might you expect to see, and what would the structure of the event be like? Any promoters or artists agents in the crowd? I can see how it could be a cool deal for everyone involved.

Brooke #585862 02/12/08 09:13 PM
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Any JPF member here,or passing through Northern Calif.is more than welcome to join me at a community Songwriters Showcase and open mic.I'm hosting,Feb 23,2008.Come one,come all...NO CHARGE.


"Alas, for those that never sing, But die with all their music in them!" - Oliver Wendell Holmes

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Jerry,
This open mic is probably 75% karoke and 28% acoustic guitar/vocal. I'm the only guy doing original music. The small donation is going to the non-employee who is coordinating the musicians and karoke singers. on their other performance nights, musicians are paid.
Dave

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Dave:
Your explanation eases my mind.
I just have a real thing about paying to perform.
A contest is one thing performing is another.
Thanks!



http://www.jerryjakala.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/jakalajerry2

The difference between genius and stupidity is that there is a limit on genius.-Albert Einstein
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Jerry,
Believe me, playing to perform is far beyond my line of thinking. I'm amazed I'm even playing for free as I pretty much won't play for less then $75.00 (my church job is the exception because it is more of a salaried position).

The open mic is different for me because I'm playing guitar, a new instrument for me, and doing my songs. I'm hoping to build a little local base of folks interested in original songs (mine) with the eventual hopes to pick up some small solo gigs.
Dave

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Luckily there are enough open mikes here for us to keep improving and eventually getting some fans etc.
From what you are telling me the "pay" is more like tuition so you can get your chops up etc.
I can understand that!
You are basically investing in your future.
That is a good thing!
I hope it all goes well for you.
Take Care!


http://www.jerryjakala.com
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No Jerry, I'm not thinking of it as tuition at all. The dollar is collected from everyone in the room. They pass a hat and it's voluntary. I'm pretty sure that money is then given to the guy who coordinates the open mic. I've seen some of the other guitarists not put any money in. I throw a buck or two in whenever I go over.

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...play for free...yes...pay to play...i don't think so...something is gut level wrong with that


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