Hi, all.

Several people have remarked on other threads that performing at an open mic is a great way to start getting performance chops. How many tunes or how long should I be able to play before I make that big jump? I'm a ways off from that but it would be great to have a goal in mind.

Also, how long did you play Stick before you had enough material?

Thanks,

-Eric

One tune is enough for an open mic.

Two is better but not necessary.

Any more than that would likely where out your welcome unless you're the host. I used to do two a week.

Glenn

At the open mics I've been to, people play anywhere from two to six tunes, typically 3 or 4 at these particular places. When there aren't many people there (people or musicians) some people end up playing for 1/2 hour or so!

But yeah, you only really need one tune. What I did was "scout" the open mic the week before I actually played, to get a feel for the place and see what the other performers did, check out the sound system, find out how sign up works, etc.

I agree with the phenomenal Glenn Poorman that two is better. Usually you only get 10-12 minutes depending on the list for that night. I usually do two distinct pieces, ballad & up, or jazz and a rock/recognizable piece. Hopefully you can find a "forgiving" place that has other performers willing to attempt new or even unfinished material in a circle of friends atmosphere. Stay away from "eveready battery on the shoulder" places, they will only discourage you and frustrate you. As far as gear goes, I take a small amp, ( you don't need the whole amp stack) and a pedalboard (Line 6 Verbzilla, Planet Waves tuner, and a small line mixer) . this gives a comfort zone with your sound and playing, and let them mike/ line out the amp if you need more throw power.

concluding... I've used the open stage to build a following, and as a goal to force me to learn and play out ( more importantly since the songs come alive and either work or don't work)
two songs every two weeks which enabled me to amass a catalog of songs to play that 4 hour gig last Friday night. I wish you the best, and like Jamaican cliff diving, you just have to do it!
take care, hope this helps - dave brosky -Pittsburgh

Thanks, guys. I guess I'm closer than I thought.

Now I'm really nervous!

-Eric

A little nervous energy is a good thing.

Just wash your hands a couple of minutes before you play so they're good and dry. Remember to breath. Most of all, warm up somewhere even if it's just unplugged in a corner.

And since even some of your more seasoned performers can be a little "antsy" right out of the gate, play your easiest tune first.

I've usually had a core idea of what to start with, and then went into improv. For some reason I get really nervous and then forget all my stuff at open mics (or similar non-concerts), so its actually better to improvise. If you have practiced abit I'd say try it, and then weave your songs in.

Ah yes! This is related to the carefully rehearsed song that gets derailed somewhere along the line and as a last resort turns into a brief improv session to gracefully put the tune out of it's misery.

How right Rob! those missed notes take a 4/4 and turn it into a 3/4 then a 6/8 then into a long "serious artist using space" rest! don't forget to close your eyes and tilt your head backward!
- dave brosky

I'll have to check the area for these little events. Interesting. Great thread.

Curtis