All of the hours of practice you have put in have brought your confidence to a point in which you are ready to perform for a crowd. There are a few problems though. Maybe you don't have the gear to be heard over a crowd, and no one knows you enough to consider giving you a gig. So how do you get started? Where do you go to be heard?
If you live in a town anything like mine, Summerville, SC, then there are many open opportunities for performing musicians to share their work! Often times these events are referred to as Open Mics, open jams or the like. Locally owned establishments often host these events and will have flyers around their stores. Another great way to search for these events near you can be searching Facebook for "Open mic" followed by the name of your town. In any case, not much beats the 'word of mouth' reputation of a good open mic.
An Open Mic is an event that allows amateur performers to utilize house or host equipment in front of a built in audience. Often times the audience is made up of return customers, business regulars and devout music lovers. These people want to hear your music. They want to hear your practiced craft. The term, "listening room," is one used to describe a room that is understood to have a captive audience. These people often come out each week just to hear the new and return talent there. These rooms often remain quiet during performances and give great praise at the end of each performer's set. These types of open mics are wonderful places for the young or budding artist to perform and be heard. They are a great place to play your original work, as this audience is there to hear you!
That being said, not every open mic can be considered a "listening room."
Sometimes an open mic is hosted at a bar or night club in an effort to boost revenue for the establishment. This means that you are performing for the crowd, but they are there for the drinks. Most often, you are placed right underneath a television broadcasting sports or news and you have to earn the attention of the listener. (In my opinion,) this is where you earn your calluses as a performer. This is the kind of place that you are welcomed to play, though you are asked to play things off the top 40 charts, or classic songs that everyone knows by the whiskey-drinking patrons. In this setting, you have to be on top of your game and as confident as possible, Especially if you come with original content. However, despite the fight, at this open mic night you might be fighting for a chance to play gigs on the local circuit. This is your chance to show that you have enough power in your music to keep an audience. If you can keep it together here, and learn to please the audience, your practice can improve rapidly.
Everyone who wants to perform publicly deserves a place to do so. Whether they have played 100 shows, 1000 or none everyone who wants to perform should have a chance. (Maybe I should say "in my opinion here too")
Open mic nights do not pay. They do not promise much, but they do offer opportunities for musicians to get their 'foot in the door,' and often times they are hosted by working musicians or field-connected people. Some of the best friends that I have were met at an open mic, and several bands have placed members while performing at open mic nights. There is no reason at all to scoff at an open mic night, as in one night you may hear a young performer sing, "You are my Sunshine," and you may also hear a polished professional play a classical guitar piece. I have personally been at many open mic nights that had musicians of every caliber. From novice to master.
These events are about the music, the community and the hosting establishments.
Whether you are a performer, or you are a listener, it is good to purchase from the hosting establishment. Support them because they are working to support you.
You never know who will show up at your local open mic. You never know what will come of your career after you make friends at one!
If you are in the Charleston/ Summerville area, enjoy one of the below listed open mics. I have never been to an open mic among this list that made me feel unwelcomed or disrespected. I suggest any of them to the trialing musician.
Coastal Coffee Roasters, Summerville SC. Every Thursday evening from 6pm-9pm. Hosted by Chris Rinken and Joshua Jarman. https://www.facebook.com/coastalcoffeeroasters/
Cuppa Manna, Summerville SC. Every Tuesday 6pm-8pm. https://www.facebook.com/cuppamanna/
Tasty Fusion, Summerville SC. Every Thursday Night from 8pm-11pm. Hosted by Ben Wroblewski.
https://www.facebook.com/TastyFusionFood/
Wine & Tapas, Summerville, SC. Every Monday Night from 6pm-8pm. Hosted by Fleming Moore.
https://www.facebook.com/wineandtapassummerville/
There are so many more in the area. I will do my best to post updated lists for the benefit of those locals who are interested.
Thanks for reading!
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