I was interested in going to some open mic nights around town but I was wondering where my chances are better finding the "right crowd". I play the piano and keyboard. I don't sing. any places that are good for me?

Hey Olivia:
If you have a portable keyboard, The Riverview Cafe Open Mic on Thursdays are a good fit. They have a whole range of players and types of music. Get there early to sign up though, it's pretty popular.

What if I don't have a keyboard, though I plan to fix that in the future!

Well, if another keyboardist shows up, you might be able to use theirs. They are a pretty good group of folks. Check it out sometime.

I might just have to check this out sometime---haven't played live in years, but that's what I used to do all the time. I'd play solo opening for bands at the 400 Bar, Uptown, Union, or hit the open mics at New Riverside, all those old places.

How long do they give you, Steve? 1 or 2 songs?

Thanks,

Lyle

Hey Lyle:
They usually let folks play 3 songs. I remember back when it started about 1998 or so you would play 3 or 4 songs and then after everyone played you get back up and do a couple more But now, it's so popular that you need to get there at 5:45 to get a space. That makes it hard for us working stiffs Here is a link to some other Twin Cities Open Mics.

Hey, thanks, Steve! Wow, had no idea there were so many options.

Hey, reading the threads I noticed you recently got a check in the mail? Woohoo! Congratulations.

-Lyle

Thanks Lyle! Yes, my first one. I joined BMI a couple of years ago when I finished my first CD. You should check out KARE Tracks on KARE 11 news. They played my songs a number of times and it was listed on my check along with various web and radio plays. It was a pretty cool thing to get

Hey, I just found out about a benefit for Tillies Beans on 38th. Street on Sat. November 17th. Sounds like a lot of music all day long. Should be fun. I'll post more as I get it.

Hey Steve,

You released your first CD 2 years ago? Same time as me. I also joined BMI and NSAI. BMI lasted, I couldn't afford to pay the dues at NSAI the second year. Couldn't find a good reason to spend that much money for something so far away. Maybe this next year I'll pay up again for another year. I contacted the local NSAI and got pretty well snubbed being from out of town. (Litchfield?) Not high enough on the pecking order I guess. Great news about your check, I keep checking my account but nothing for me yet. I've gotten some radio play. Maybe next year!

Good to see some action on this site. The Riverview Cafe is one place I may have to try. Last time I came to town I got a $30.00 parking ticket though.

Wayne

Hey Wayne,
How's it going? I don't know anything about NSAI except I've done a few showcases with some of the members. Sorry about that ticket, but from what I hear, $30 is one of the cheap ones.
I'll be posting about the benefit for Tillies Beans Coffee House soon. If you're in town, stop by and say "Hey".
Hey, did anything ever happen with that benefit in your area? Keep me posted. Thanks.

Hi Steve,

This reply will make 10 postings! A record for this chapter I think. Whatever happened to Olivia who started this thread? If you're reading this, don't give up. Musicians are the most supportive people in the world. Someone will have a keyboard. Since you don't sing it may be harder to get started but if you hang in there you'll get your chance to be heard.

Tillies Beans benefit sounds like a worthwhile cause Steve. Is that the place I looked for most of one evening and got there a half hour before it was over? By the way, I was there, you were pretty busy so I just came home. Good music from what I heard. That was last winter sometime. My point is maybe I could find it faster this time!

Benefits in Litchfield, MN. are notoriously unattended and ours was no different. My friend Elaine Peacock came all the way from Elk Point, S.D. to perform and we had a great time. All 15 of us. The bartender put a $10.00 tip in though. He enjoyed himself he said. So.....

I've had to leave the state to sell CD's. I had a good year though. Sold out a couple of my CD's. But that's not a big deal in my world. I'll try to make it into the city again soon and watch where I park this time!

Wayne

Hey Wayne,
I think you're thinking of the Fireroast Mt. Cafe. Tillies' Bean is at 2803 E. 38th. Street. That's about 9 blocks due west from the Fireroast. Hope to see you sometime soon.

Hey Steve,

You're right. Fireroast Mountain? I'm going to try and make this benefit. Is there open stage time? If not, I'll just come and listen. 9 blocks west, I got it. I think.
This makes 11 replies! A new record for the twin city chapter. (See the little flame?) Who else is out there? Lets hear from you!!!

www.waynelongtin.com Check my schedule.

Wayne

Hey Wayne:
I just saw the link on your website to my website. Thanks! It looks like over 21 musicians will be playing throughout the day so there will be plenty to listen to
I hope you can make it.

I believe in promoting others over myself. Especially if they suffer from extreme talent. We need to support each other.

Wayne
www.waynelongtin.com

Well, I know I'm suffering from "extreme something" not too sure about all that talent stuff. But thanks again Tillies was a good time. It was great to see so many folks out supporting the Cafe. I was sicker than a dog so didn't stay that long after playing.
Have a great Turkey Day!

I actually found the place this time. Too many people for me with no stage time so I made my donation and went else where. Guess I was there too early for you to be there. I hate performing when I'm sick. I went to Anita, Iowa and did the Oak Tree Opry with the flu. I sweat so much I couldn't hold on to my guitar! Hope you're getting better.

Wayne
www.waynelongtin.com

I'm feeling a bit better now thanks. Yea, I hate it when the day or two before a gig, I start feeling sick. But as we all know, "The Show Must Go On". I was glad we all were doing short sets for the benefit.

thanks guys! sorry, don't get on here much. That'll change though.