Open Mic's as a spectator

[Kael]

Just curious. Are there any other pro's out there who like to go to open Mic nights to listen to people who play for free for the fun of it. I do. There's a bar around the corner from me that had a Sunday night open Mic blues jam. It had become something i do every week when i get back home from that week's gig runs. I get asked to get on stage sometimes but i decline. I'd rather give more stage time to the people for whom this is their only musical outlet.

PS: i especially dig the older players who have clearly come "out of retirement" for the night.

 

[redname]

i'm not pro but i still enjoy going to open mics

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I'm no pro but I am somewhat known on my scene. I go out to shows at least twice a week. My singer and guitarist tend to go out four times a week.

 

[RayG]

I'd rather give more stage time to the people for whom this is their only musical outlet

+1

Most nights I just like to soak up the sounds. We usually get a decent caliber of players, so it's great to just sit and sip a cold beverage. If there only a few folks signing up I usually get harassed to play, but I'd rather just relax to tell the truth.

Regards--------------------

 

[5 Wire]

My wife and I will go - grab a beer and some food.

If a band I'm in is looking for players we will go. Sometimes there are gems to be found.

 

[portpc]

I'm a busy semi-pro & totally admire the open mic folks I see locally.

There's a great one here on the North Shore of L.I. at a Wine/Cheese joint..
It's nice to kick back & take it all in..

The talent level can run quite high, The enthusiasm is pretty contagious. I clap for everyone.... !!

 

[Dave W]

Most of the local pros/semi pros around here go to open mics. My BL runs one of them. A few of the regular guys are in large touring bands for very famous musicians. The other regulars are just people that genuinely like music and enjoy playing for people.

When I go I'll usually sit in for a few songs and play with anybody that wants bass.

It's always a good time though, and great to see many different artists who don't gig on their own.

One of the local guys is actually starting to get his own gigs. He's good friends with us and my BL, so we are going to play a few gigs with him as the backing band. I'm really looking forward to it, it's going to be fun!

 

[ArtechnikA]

I went to a blues club in Burbank a few times.
It's one of the reasons I became more serious about wanting to get into the bass, actually.
The 'sign-up' list for guitar/vocalist was about 3 hours deep.
The house bassist (and drummer) played all night.
I learned then - if you want the opportunity to really play live - pick an instrument that's not in the spotlight. Anybody who walked in and wanted to play bass could have plugged and jammed for hours.

That was 20 years ago and a continent away.
Maybe it's different here in the Philadelphia area since there's more than a few notable bassists from around here. Some day when I'm a lot more confident, I'll go find out...

 

[electracoyote]

I love going to other people's performances, regardless of the nature or configuration. It's such a joy and relief to be able to kick back, drink a beverage at my leisure, and just enjoy someone else entertaining ME for a change. It's kind of rare, and sometimes I'm tired and need the break, but I do it just the same.

If anyone is not yet doing so, I highly recommend, when you're not performing, just setting your defenses and criticisms aside and going out to blend in with the audience and soak in someone else's talent and cheer them on. It's good for the soul.

And you might pick up some cool new tricks and learn a lot about venues and audiences.

 

[Phalex]

Everyone that does open mics around here knows me. Once I walk in the door they stick a bass in my hand.