Re: [Harp-L] NEED HELP Jamming Etiquette/Open Mic



Thank you.
It's ok, all the help I can get is fine.
A little here and a little there, I have time.
Once I get all the replys I will introduce them to the couple that run the Open Mic. I'm sure they will take to it. They don't have much experience in running an Open Mic.


My wife says it's more of a social gathering, were players go to have fun and rules will just ruin it. I dont agree.

She did admit they they do mess up. Last week one player that was forth went first. The first went secound. The 5 th guy did not want to wait so he played with the 3 rd guy on the list. This was not a problem since it was a rainy night and not many players should up. But that guy who could not wait, did not ord and food or drinks.

This was the same guy who went on stage and took my spot two month ago when I needed to swith harps. So I sat that set out.
Now I'm one of three harp played the rest are all accustic guiter player who also sing. So having a harp player gives the music a much needed sound.


Out of the three harp players I'm the least musical, and bless there hearts they give me lots of play time.

Abner (BluEyes, still learning from the best, you guys)


On Jun 5, 2010, at 1:49 PM, joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


I can answer all your queries Abner, but it will take a while. I have to go somewhere right now. Someone else may answer in the meanwhile. :)
smo-joe


On Jun 5, 2010, at 1:07 PM, Abner wrote:

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. Donât 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. Itâs an effort to set up and take down the equipme nt. Ask how you can help.

3. Until the sound-check starts, donât 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. Donât play while another musician is c hecking the level for his or her instrument.

5. If another group is playing ahead of you, donât co me onto the stage to set up your equipment while another group i s playing. Let them remove their equipment before starting to s et 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, donât play when it is not your turn. When to play varies f rom song to song and from instrument to instrument, so please un derstand that these are only general guidelines. Watch the lead er 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. Donât judge your own sound level. Many players thi nk 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.









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