Thank you for this list.
I was wondering if you guys/gals have a list on how one should run an Open Mic.
I play at an Open Mic down here in S. Florida. Don't get me wrong I love it. And being a non musician and having less than 2 years of playing ( at Open Mic) these guys/ gals have been great.
But I find that some players play more songs than others.
Or, others are told there time is up after just a few songs. .
There seems to be no rhyme or reason.
The guys/gals that run the Open Mic are great people but I don't think they ( or myself) know how to properly set up an Open Mic.
I know there is something wrong. And since there are so very few for me to attend ( none) I don't know how to help improve the system.
That is if it's even my place to do so.
Yes, I do hear people get upset when they get pulled off and others play longer. I have even heard from players after playing a long set asking ( pleading) for the next player to come up.
Or, players that come once but are 4 th on the list and get jumped ahead becouse they have to leave.
(This happen to me two weeks ago and the mother of the person running the open mic got up set and wanted to know why i was pulled off. I did go back up after the player left, but by then i had to get back into the grove.)
They don't buy drinks or food and we don't see them for months and it happens again.
I have heard from players that won't come back becouse of this.
Now my concern, (and this is why I need your help ) is if they don't bring in people to buy food or drinks there won't be anymore Open Mic hence no place for me to play my harp.
As I stated before I'm not a musician and not a great player , and most of the good players ask me to play with them if I lose the Open Mic I lose a place to improve.
I will be 50 years old this year, after two years of surgery and years of being in pain this is my once a week place to enjoy life.
All your help will greatly be appreciated like always. Thank you all in advance.
Abner (BluEyes) living and enjoying life in S.E Florida
On Jun 5, 2010, at 11:14 AM, Tobe <wonderwhy@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Another musician and I have been running an open jam once a week for more than then years. For what it's worth here's the handout that we give to people who want to play:
All musicians are welcome, no matter what level. Don’t be shy. This is your chance to play before a live audience.
Before the music starts.
1. If you want to play, talk to the persons who run the stage.
2. It’s an effort to set up and take down the equipment. Ask how you can help.
3. Until the sound-check starts, don’t play. If you want to warm up, do so off stage.
4. When you are asked to check your sound, play at the level you expect to use during the performance. Just do what the sound person says to do. Don’t play while another musician is checking the level for his or her instrument.
5. If another group is playing ahead of you, don’t come onto the stage to set up your equipment while another group is playing. Let them remove their equipment before starting to set up yours.
After the music ends.
1. Remove your gear as quickly as possible.
2. If you are on the stage when the music is over, lend a hand in clearing the stage.
During the performance.
1. Be thoughtful and courteous to the other players.
2. Each band has a leader. Be clear about who the leader is before the music starts.
3. If there is to be a singer, the singer is the leader unless there is a prior agreement.
4. The leader picks the song, the key, when it starts and when it ends. Suggestions are welcome, but the leader decides.
5. Play when it is your turn. Or to put it another way, don’t play when it is not your turn. When to play varies from song to song and from instrument to instrument, so please understand that these are only general guidelines. Watch the leader for a signal.
6. Rhythm instruments usually play throughout the song. Rhythm instruments include: drums and bass. Guitar, keyboard and other percussion instruments can also be rhythm instruments. Most ensembles have a rhythm guitar player. He or she is usually the person who sets and maintains the rhythm.
7. Unless there is a prior understanding with the leader, lead instruments only play solos or to support the singer between the phrasing of a song. If you play a lead instrument, do this sparingly and be aware that other lead players are also playing between the phrases. Be conscious of each other. Lead instrument include: lead guitar, harmonica, flute, banjo, mandolin, keyboard, sax, trumpet, bowed strings, clarinet, etc.
8. Don’t judge your own sound level. Many players think that they are playing just right when they are too loud. Ask somebody else about your sound level.
9. Stay off the stage when not playing, setting up or taking down. Visitors are welcome on the stage, but only between performances.
Overall
Remember that the main goal is to have fun. Experience has shown that we will all have more fun when everybody knows and follows the rules. And one last thing that may be the most important rule: when you are in the groove and the instruments are talking to each other, nothing else matters and all rules might just fly away like the music.