[Harp-L] Re: Open mic



Any decent open mic jam will have a PA. Bring a mic and a cable and you should be fine with that. All the PA's I have played through have a Hi and Low input for each channel (XLR and 1/4"). Otherwise, just play into a supplied vocal mic already set up on stage. Check the channel you are playing into, and ask for a bit of reverb (just a bit) and tell them to cut the highs some. Be sure that you check the mic for monitor level. If you can't hear yourself on stage it can be a long, ugly night.. BTDT.

If you can play, act like it (no offense meant). Get there early, introduce yourself, and sign in or just say "I would like the next set, if that's OK." Don't talk too much as folks hate me... err, I mean hate people like that. Be assertive, but not pushy. Don't be timid- they're just musicians and it's an open mic night! It might help if you sing and have a few songs ready as well.

I don't ask to use anyone else's amp or mic because I am not comfortable allowing anyone to use my amp or mic. That does not mean everyone is that way. Don't let it offend you. My reasons are that I cannot afford to replace any of my equipment (or anyone else's) at this point and don't need the hassle if something does happen, one way or the other.

Just like any other gathering of folks, you will find some jams that are a lot of fun with great folks willing to help, and other times you will walk into a click that is just an unorganized group that doesn't let much of anyone join in unless they push the issue, and there's everything in between. Avoid the later and seek out the former.

I got my "real" start playing an open weekly jam. I am sure that I rubbed some folks the wrong way, and I can name names of others who hit me like that. But playing that jam really opened me up as a player, and it eventually led to me joining a group where I have learned even more- I have learned so much, that I now know just how little I know.

My final word of advice would be to just drop in the first time as a spectator. Listen. Don't be intimidated by folks better than you, but get the feel for what is expected and the level of talent. In some way just about everyone that plays the jams I hit are better than me.. But I have skills that they do not show. Around here I am also unique in my style and sound. That may not be a good thing, but it's working for me so far. ;-)

        From Randy G.
 Live to Play  -  Play to Live
http://www.myspace.com/RandyGBlues
http://www.myspace.com/PhatBoyzBlue





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