open mic
Open Mic Network Update – January 24th, 2011
Hi everybody,
Last weeks Open Mic @ The Dan was again a very, very busy event with a running sheet full of amazing talent and a pub full to the brim with a wonderful performer friendly audience who were treated to some outstanding performances.
There were no brand new performers gracing the Open Mic stage last week however, there were some performers who made a welcome return to The Dan. Performers such as Andy and Marta, Rowey G, Rob Carlin and (one of my favourites) Andrew “Mr 110%” Stott. Welcome back
This weeks Open Mic @ The Dan falls on Australia Day so why not have an Aussie Music Theme Night. YAY!

Andy & Marta

Rowey G

Rob Carlin

Andrew “Mr 110%” Stott
In other Open Mic Network news…
A Community Call Out For Website Content
As mentioned in last weeks update I’ve been busily creating a new domain name and website/blog for the Open Mic Network and with a new website comes the need to fill it with lots of relevant information.
I’m looking for the following to be included onto or, used for the new Open Mic Network website/blog:
- Photos
- Video
- Audio
- Testimonials
- Feedback
- Suggestions
Of course I will gladly give credit to all submitters with the opportunity for their submissions to be included on Facebook, YouTube and the like.
If you’re able to help me out please feel free to contact me.
Here’s a reminder of what is happening in the coming weeks on the Open Mic Network:
Open Mic @ The Dan
(Aussie Music Theme Night)
Wednesday January 26th, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Plus…
Open Mic @ The Third Cork
Thursday February 3rd, 2011
Third Cork Wine Bar
Upstairs, 26 Semaphore Road, Semaphore
8pm – 11:30pm
Remember to get in early to reserve a spot on the running sheet as it can get very busy. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.
See you then,
Corey
Open Mic Network Update – January 17th, 2010

Hi everybody,
Last weeks Open Mic @ The Dan which was the first one for 2011 was also one of our best ever. It was so busy that we had to start at 7:30pm instead of 8pm just to fit everybody in.
What really struck me about last weeks Open Mic @ The Dan was the quality of talent on offer. I know I’ve said this many times before but I’m constantly amazed and astounded by the amount of talent that is circulating in Adelaide and I consider myself very lucky to be able to see and hear this talent week in and week out through hosting the Open Mics at The Dan and the Third Cork.
I love it.
In addition to having a very busy night we had three new faces grace the Open Mic stage and captivate the audience with their performances. First of all there was Max who was one half of a duo with open mic’er David Lane. With their electric guitar/bass combination they performed three of their own songs which impressed the crowd greatly.

David & Max
Secondly we had Chris McBride who was in fine voice last week doing a wonderful version of “Castles In The Air” among other things and lastly, we had for the first time in a long time, a poet/spoken word artist take to the stage.
He goes under the name of Felix Street Poet and he entertained all of us with his witty views on life all done in a rapid fire ‘beat’ poet delivery. For me, one of the highlights of the night was Felix’s poem simply titled “Wife” in which delivers well known phrases replacing ‘life’ with ‘wife.’ It was very funny indeed.

Chris McBride

Felix Street Poet
All in all, last weeks Open Mic @ The Dan was a great event to be part of. Judging by what happened last week methinks that 2011 is going to be a HUGE year for the Open Mic Network.
In other Open Mic Network news…
New Competition Starts for 2011
As mentioned about a month ago the Open Mic @ The Third Cork on January 6th kicked off a year long competition in which you enter by simply turning up on any Open Mic Network sanctioned night and putting your name down on the running sheet.
The winner will be drawn at random at the end of 2011.
At this very moment the prize pool is empty but as of this week Darren and myself will be sourcing and putting together an amazing set of prizes that will benefit anyone who wants to promote their art-form and the prize pool will be growing constantly throughout the year as Darren and I secure more prizes along the way.
The progression of the prize pool will be documented through these updates throughout the year.
Experiments With MailChimp Going Well
Last week I sent out the first Open Mic Network update using the new MailChimp format and I’m pleased to say that it went off without a hitch. It’s my hope that using MailChimp for the Open Mic Network updates will enable me to better communicate with all of you.
If you want to find out more about MailChimp go to their website. If you’re experiencing any problems with the new updates please contact me.
Moving Over To A New Website
As well as moving over to a new email management system I’ll be moving the current Open Mic Network website located at www.openmicaustralia.com over to www.openmicnetwork.com as this better reflects the name and the overall concept of the network and the Open Mic community as a whole.
As well as a new domain there’s going to be a much needed design update but I’ll keep you all in the loop about this as new information comes to light.
Here’s a reminder of what is happening in the coming weeks on the Open Mic Network:
Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday January 19th, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Plus…
Open Mic @ The Third Cork
Thursday February 3rd, 2011
Third Cork Wine Bar
Upstairs, 26 Semaphore Road, Semaphore
8pm – 11:30pm
Remember to get in early to reserve a spot on the running sheet as it can get very busy. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.
See you then,
Corey
Open Mic Network Update – January 10th, 2011

Hi everybody,
Wow, we are now in 2011. I hope that everyone had an amazing Xmas and wonderful New Years celebrations. I know that I did because I was at the Open Mic @ The Dan on NYE and let me tell you, it was packed and here are some images to prove it.

The Crowd Outside

The Crowd Inside
We had a full book of performers including one new face, a songwriter from WA by the name of Conan Chapman. He did a great set of originals and what a voice.

Conan Chapman
After a weeks break, the first Open Mic @ The Dan for 2011 kicks off this Wednesday January 12th. We did however, start 2011 with another Open Mic…
The Open Mic @ The Third Cork of course and for the first time in the events history we had a full book of performers so the word is well and truly getting around especially with a lot of local talent gracing the Open Mic stage.
We had three new faces at The Third Cork, they are Peter Miller, The Alchemist and Lloyd. Many thanks for everyone who came down to the Open Mic @ The Third Cork. Come again next month and bring your friends

Peter Miller

The Alchemist
In other news…
I just wanted to let you all know that last Friday I turned 40 and I couldn’t think of anything better than having a few drinks at the first Open Mic @ The Dan for 2011 to celebrate. I’d love to catch up with you so if you’re not up to anything this Wednesday night come on down to The Dan and have a drink with me.
Make attending more Open Mics a new years resolution for yourself
Here’s a reminder of what is happening this week on the Open Mic Network:
Open Mic @ The Dan
(First One For 2011)
Wednesday January 12th, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Remember to get in early to reserve a spot on the running sheet as it can get very busy. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.
See you then,
Corey
Open Mic Network Update – December 21st, 2010

Hi everybody,
Before I go any further I want to wish everybody on the mailing list a very Merry Xmas and a happy and safe New Year.
I’m looking forward to catching up with all of you in 2011 very much alive and kicking.
This will be the last Open Mic Network update for 2010 because it’s not long to go now before the madness of Xmas and NYE descends on all of us and I’ve still got some shopping to do.
I’ll also be taking a small break between this time where I’m actually going to turn my mobile phone and computer off for a few days which will be wonderful.
Last weeks Open Mic @ The Dan was incredibly busy especially because we had some visitors from Canada and the UK as part of the proceedings.
We had 3 new acts on the running sheet and they were:

Aurora & Hilda (sisters from Canada)
Andrew McCulloch (from the UK)
Michael Yon & Emma (so sorry you guys missed out on a spot, I’ll try and get you on earlier next time)
Here’s a reminder of what is happening this week on the Open Mic Network:
Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday December 22nd, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
then…
Open Mic @ The Dan (NYE)
Friday December 31st, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Remember to get in early to reserve a spot on the running sheet as it can get very busy. I’ll be there from 6:30pm on both nights to take down names.
See you then,
Corey
PS: Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all
Open Mic Network Update – December 13th, 2010

Hi everybody,
I’ve got detail on when the Open Mics are starting up again in 2011.
The Open Mic @ The Dan will be on the 15th and 22nd of December with the 29th being shifted to Friday December 31st. After this the Open Mic @ The Dan will recommence on Wednesday January 12th, 2011.
As for the Third Cork the next Open Mic will be on January 6th, 2011
Speaking about The Dan, last weeks Open Mic was a welcome return to the hectic normality that we’ve all come to know and love. Full book, full venue and a full night of quality entertainment was on offer.
Personally, the highlight for me was new face Emma Phillips wowing the crowd with her acappella versions of two of her favourite songs. The crowd was hushed and a new voice was unleashed upon the ether.

Emma Phillips
Now, in other Open Mic Network news…
“SCALA – A Guided Tour” CD Release Party
This coming Thursday December 16th, SCALA (Songwriters, Composers & Lyricists Association) is launching its 19th album of original music. It’s called “SCALA – A Guided Tour” and it features 20 tracks comprised of FOOM 2010 winners and other wonderful local songwriting talent.
The great thing is that a number of Open Mic’ers are among the artists featured on the CD so get along to the Higher Ground Arts Cafe this Thursday and support local original music as well as your fellow Open Mic’ers.
Here’s a reminder of what is happening this week on the Open Mic Network:
Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday December 15th, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Plus…
“SCALA – A Guided Tour” CD Launch Party
Higher Ground Arts Cafe
Thursday December 16th, 2010
Featuring Open Mic’ers
David Robinson
Kenny Green
Andy & Marta
Corey Stewart
8pm – 11pm
$5 (waged) / $4 (concession) / $3 (SCALA members)
Plus…
Open Mic @ The Dan (NYE)
Friday December 31st, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Remember to get in early to reserve a spot on the running sheet as it can get very busy. I’ll be there from 6:30pm on both nights to take down names.
See you then,
Corey
Open Mic Network Update – December 6th, 2010

Hi everybody,
Wow, last week was an amazing week. Both Open Mics at The Dan and The Third Cork were HUGE in performer numbers and in audience numbers.
It gave me a real indication that after a bit of a quiet patch things are going to get busier and busier for the Open Mic Network.
Bring it on I say
Open Mic @ The Dan
We had the pleasure of hosting 6 students from the Leanne Hoad Singing School (accompanied by their teacher Kristy) who were using the Open Mic @ The Dan as a means of gaining some much needed real-world performing experience.
They were:
- Lauren Cirocco
- April Ling
- Julian Smith
- John Lord
- Laura Healey
- Belinda Cece
They also managed to collectively bring a very large and appreciative crowd who stayed around for most of the proceedings which was wonderful to see and the most important thing was that everybody had a wonderful time.
Personally, I hope that this is the first of many times that the students from the Leanne Hoad Singing School come along to The Dan and have a go. They were a great addition to the Open Mic community.
Other new faces on the night were Rosco, a musician from Sydney who was passing through and Azim Zain who waited patiently for most of the night and was still playing when his taxi came to pick him up. That’s dedication for you.

The Crowd
Open Mic @ The Third Cork
For the first time the running sheet for the Third Cork was full which means that the word is finally gaining momentum around the local area. There was a really nice balance of The Dan and local performers last week with 3 new faces gracing the Open Mic stage.
They were Aaron, Lyle Berg and Rubes & Rohan who treated us to a wonderful jazz/blues performance.

Rubes & Rohan
To all of the new faces, please come again you’re welcome anytime. To everybody else, love ya work
In other Open Mic Network news…
Open Mic Videos
As an experiment I got my video camera out and attempted to film some performances.
I wanted to find out where the best camera spots are at both The Dan and Third Cork were so some of the footage turned out and some didn’t however, the ones that did will be put up on the Open Mic Network YouTube Channel.
At the moment it features a Rob Carlin performance but more videos are coming very soon.
As for putting performances up on YouTube I’m making the assumption that you as an Open Mic performer don’t mind being filmed. If you don’t want to be filmed, now is your chance to tell me in advance.
Let me know and I will happily respect your wish.
New Years Eve @ The Dan
Just a reminder that we are having an Open Mic @ The Dan on New Years Eve. this falls on a Friday this year so the normal Wednesday event will be moved to the Friday. Spread the word and if you’re considering having a new years party then have it at The Dan.
Here’s a reminder of what is happening this week on the Open Mic Network:
Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday December 8th, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Plus…
Open Mic @ The Dan (NYE)
Friday December 31st, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Remember to get in early to reserve a spot on the running sheet as it can get very busy. I’ll be there from 6:30pm on both nights to take down names.
See you then,
Corey
Open Mic Network Update – November 30th, 2010

Hi everybody,
It’s busy, busy, busy round here at the moment so this weeks update is going to be shorter than usual.
Last weeks Open Mic @ The Dan was a full book of wonderful musical acts which I got some video footage off. I plan to put these videos (and others I have captured in the past) onto the newly created Open Mic Network YouTube Channel.
Feel free to subscribe to it if you have a YouTube account and when new videos are posted you’ll know.
In all of the performances there was one new face that graced the Open Mic stage and her name is Claire Drewitt. She performed beautifully and it’s my hope that she comes back sooner rather than later.
I just wanted to remind you all that the Open Mic @ The Third Cork is on again this Thursday night from 8pm.
Now that we’re well and truly into daylight savings you’ll be able to fully appreciate the view of the ocean from the Third Cork balcony while eating your wood fired pizza waiting to get onto the stage…
All of this could be yours if you come along this Thursday night
Here’s a reminder of what is happening this week on the Open Mic Network:
Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday December 1st, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Plus…
Open Mic @ The Third Cork
Thursday December 2nd, 2010
Third Cork Wine Bar
Upstairs, 26 Semaphore Road
8pm – 11:30pm
Remember to get in early to reserve a spot on the running sheet as it can get very busy. I’ll be there from 6:30pm on both nights to take down names.
See you then,
Corey
Open Mic Network Update – November 23rd, 2010

Hi everybody,
Last weeks Open Mic @ The Dan was a blast.
We had a full book of performers and a full pub of punters and a kind of electricity in the air which only comes from the knowledge that the festive season is just around the corner.
We also had two new faces grace the Open Mic stage. They were Dan Spackman and Grant Engler who both did themselves proud in their performances considering it was their first Open Mic experience.

Dan Spackman
All in all, it was a very entertaining night.

Soul Trader
In other Open Mic news…
Open Mic @ The Dan NYE 2010 – Confirmed!
YAY! I’ve just recently confirmed with The Dan that Open Mic will happen on New Years Eve again just like we did in 2009 and 2008. This year, NYE falls on a Friday so the scheduled Open Mic on Wednesday December 29th is cancelled to make way for NYE.
I’ll keep you all updated with further developments.
What a way to welcome 2011 than by getting down to The Dan and treading the Open Mic stage. Oh, and BTW, if you were thinking of having a NYE party at home then why not take it to The Dan and let the friendly staff take care of everything for you.
Why not indeed…
Here’s a reminder of what is happening this week on the Open Mic Network:
Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday November 24th, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Remember to get in early to reserve a spot on the running sheet as it can get very busy. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.
See you then,
Corey
Open Mic Network Update – November 15th, 2010

Hi everybody,
As I’m writing this update I am feeling very happy with myself and, at the same time pretty humbled because of the amazing success of the Open Mic @ The Dan’s 4th birthday celebration last Wednesday.
It was HUGE and I must thank everybody who turned up because it was you guys that made the night such a success.
Mmmm Cake

The Crowd
I know that last week I was bemoaning the changing landscape of grassroots music in this town but last Wednesday night something happened. I was witnessing first hand the power of community and inspiring music combined.
Last weeks celebrations also marked the announcement of the Open Mic Addict Award which went to Alex Frost for her 182 appearances on the Open Mic stage. The Top 5 Open Mic appearances from November 8th, 2006 to November 10th, 2010 are:
- Alex Frost – 182
- Garth Dutton – 139 (Tie)
- Peter Clayton – 139 (Tie)
- Rob Pickering – 122
- Lindsay Boyd – 119

Alex Frost
We also had 3 new faces gracing the Open Mic stage for the very first time. They were John Gardner, Macca and Gary.
A big thanks go out to all the performers past, present and future. Keep on playing!

The Three Amigos
In other Open Mic Network news…
Last SCALA Songwriting Workshop/Songwriters Circle For 2010
I’m going to be one of the special guests for the last SCALA Songwriters Workshop for 2010 tomorrow night starting at 7:30pm sharp at Higher Ground Arts Cafe.
For a gold coin donation you’ll hear Adrian Miller and myself presenting a talk on “The Joys Of Collaboration” for the first hour of the workshop in which we’ll feature two of our songs we’ve recently written together and in the second hour you get your chance to play one of your original song to the group for constructive feedback and encouragement.
I wanted to include this in the update because I think that the SCALA Songwriting Workshop/Songwriters Circle is an under-utilised resource that will really be of benefit to Open Mic’ers who write their own songs.
It happens tomorrow night at Higher Ground Arts Cafe at 7:30pm sharp. Love to see you there.
Here’s a reminder of what is happening this week on the Open Mic Network:
Open Mic @ the Dan
Wednesday November 17th, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Remember to get in early to reserve a spot on the running sheet as it can get very busy. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.
See you then,
Corey
PS: All photos on this update were taken by Kathy Gleeson. Thanks Kathy
Open Mic Network Update – November 9th, 2010

Hi everybody,
The beginning of every month is always a very busy time with both Open Mics at The Dan and the Third Cork in full swing and all, but this month also marks the 4th birthday of the Open Mic Network which started out at The Dan on November 8th, 2006.
We are celebrating this milestone with a special Open Mic @ The Dan this Wednesday, November 10th. The announcement of the Open Mic Addict will also take place that night and I know there’s a few of you out there that really want to know who that person is
Since then, the Open Mic Network has turned into a vibrant and active community of musicians, artists and songwriters of all skills and experience working together to help and support one another.
This is the main thing that I’m most proud of.
Now, with the end of 2010 fast approaching it’s time to see what future direction the Open Mic Network can take in it’s quest to nurture grassroots music in Adelaide, in South Australia and in Australia as a whole.
When Darren and I first started the Open Mic Network the concept of an Open Mic had been around for a while but not a well known one however, between then and now, the number of Open Mics starting up in Adelaide (and around the country for that matter) have risen dramatically.
You can pretty much go to an Open Mic/Jam Session every night of the week in Adelaide and that creates a lot more performance and networking opportunities for performers but it also creates the challenge of having too much choice.
“Hmmm, which Open Mic shall I go to tonight?” I hear you all ask…
I think this Open Mic trend is also impacting on our own attendance’s as last weeks Open Mics at The Dan and the Third Cork were quiet again but don’t get me wrong though, I’m not complaining or worried at all.
In fact, it’s giving me more of a resolve to make sure that the Open Mic @ The Dan and The Third Cork are the best open Mics around in it’s marketing, organisation and most importantly, THE SOUND.
Quality performances certainly made up for the lack of performers and punters at both The Dan and The Third Cork last week. there were also a few talented new faces gracing the Open Mic stages. They are:
- Carlos Larisch – Amazing Flautist from Spain
- Kirk & Andy – Great chord progressions
- Miles – Great songs
- Nat & Josh – Piano and Djembe combination
- Brillig – Yes! You heard right
Last weeks Open Mic @ The Dan also signified Martin “Saxman” Mount’s birthday. If the photo of him below is anything to go by, he had a great night. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTY!

Carlos

Kirk & Andy

Michaela Lucas

Marty – The Birthday Boy
Here’s a reminder of what is happening this week on the Open Mic Network:
Open Mic Network 4th Birthday Bash
Open Mic Addict Announcement!!!
Wednesday November 10th, 2010
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight
Remember to get in early to reserve a spot on the running sheet as it can get very busy. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.
See you then,
Corey
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