Anybody come across this? Guitarist/singer and I went to an open mic, they wanted a cover charge so we declined. Now I would pay to see the host and his band, but not to play at the venue.
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Cover charge for open mic?
- Thread starter Jim Kernan
- Start date
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
That's total Garbage. It'll ruin any chance of success! I can see having a cover charge for general patrons. But if you bring your instrument and they try to charge you then walking away is the right call.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Is a cover charge for Karaoke next? I could see a cover if there was a live backing band for either open mic or karaoke, but I wouldn’t pay to participate in either one.
In fairness, when I was in China karaoke wasn't so much, everybody goes on the same stage in front of the whole car to sing (usually one at a time), it was a more private affair wherein you'd rent a private room or booth with a tv screen for the lyrics and microphones and stuff and have at it privately with your friends.
But I get your point.
I don't think I'd do an open mic with a cover charge. I think that was the only way the hosts would be getting any kind of cash out of the situation - which I'm not inclined to judge too hard on. As far as attendance, I would also just turn around and leave.
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This is somebody's new business model. Somehow, I don't think it's gonna work out. Pay to play? At a freakin' open mic? Get outta here.
- Jan 1, 2014
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That will not work. Who’s going to pay a cover to belly up to the bar? Open mic is a sideshow for drinkers.
‘I’m not so sure about that. In Greater St.Louis there is a program called Band Jam. It’s not exactly an “open mic” . About once a month they hold a themed event about a month out you get a list of songs that will be played at this event. You can chose from 3 to 7 songs you would like to play. About 10 days before the event you get your assignments that include links to the songs being covered. You also are notified which musicians you will be playing with. There are no rehearsals, bout there is the ability to send texts to musicians you will be performing with on the web site. Backline gear is provided.
The events run about 3 hours and the cost is only $10 to participate. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.
For more information, On the YouTube search bar type Soundhaus St.Louis for videos.
Trying out unfamiliar musicians, in public? That’s a form of exhibitionism. Good luck. I’m ready, but it’s a dare, just putting it nicely.
As long as everyone that goes to play there laughs at the bar owner and walks away, this will cease to be a problem quickly. If people let him or her get away with it, it won't.
Do most of the open mic'rs nurse a glass of tap water all night? Just asking. Does anyone else besides open mic'rs come and drink?
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That's a cool event, but completely different. A band Jam like that requires someone to put in real organization work before hand, you get to play a significant amount of time and the fee probably also helps ensure the musicians show up.
I will not pay to pay 2 songs at an open mic.
Lance don't pay to play. Bars pay LANCE to play.
Covid changed things. 20 years ago I could go to any jazzclub and sit in on a session and you would get free drinks because you help provide the music. Now there's only one jam that doesn't ask for money to participate. Only a tipping jar.
