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

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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

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It’s been spreading around the internet in different forms since then but I thought first of all to put them up on this blog and at the same time make it into a PDF so you can download it and pass it around to your hearts content.

Here are The 10+1 Commandments Of Open Mic Performance for your enjoyment. If, through reading this, you’re reminded about any similar experiences then let me know. We can laugh about it together.

1. Thou shalt be on time
If an open mic starts at say, 8pm then turn up a little earlier to make sure your name is down on the running sheet.

If you’re doing something else beforehand and you need to turn up later that’s fine, just don’t complain if your time to perform is later than you anticipated.

2. Thou shalt make yourself known to the host
If you want to put your name down on the running sheet, don’t expect the host to come to you. Go to the host. Make yourself known and make the hosts job a little easier.

3. Thou shalt be prepared before performance
Knowing where you are on the running sheet is very, very important. Nothing holds up an open mic more than performers who tune up their guitars and prepare their music at the very last minute.

A successful open mic is determined by how short the changeover time between performers is.

Here are some other ways that performer changeover times can be minimized:

• Be ready before you go on
• Be close by when your turn comes around
• Know what songs you’re doing beforehand

4. Thou shalt not get drunk before performing
I know it can be very nerve racking waiting to go on stage and having a drink to get the dutch courage going is fair enough but, try not to drink too much. You really don’t sound good drunk, no matter what you think.

Trust me on this one

5. Thou shalt not overstay ones welcome
Open Mic’s are designed to showcase multiple performers not just you.

If the requirement is a maximum of three songs, do your three songs but balance that with the fact that there’s other performers wanting a go as well.

Keep unnecessary chat to a minimum and don’t do the extended version of “Stairway To Heaven”, “American Pie” and your favourite folk tune with 24 verses in it all in the same sitting.

As a host I go by this simple equation: 3 x songs + chat = 15 minutes.

Any longer than that your overstaying your welcome.

Oh, and BTW. When you finished your songs don’t ask the audience whether they want to hear more. That’s the MC’s job (time permitting).

6. Thou shalt invite others to play but only up to a point.
In my own experience I’ve noticed a tactic that some performers use to overtly maximise their time on stage. Invite another guitarist up and give them extended solos to stretch out the songs.

Don’t do it. I’m onto you

7. Thou shalt adapt ones performance to the open mic.
Some open mics cater for bands however, (in my open mic performing experience) most open mics operate in venues with limited stage space and because of this, are designed for solos or duo performers only.

If you play in a band and you want to perform at an open mic that operates in this way, do your homework and learn your songs either solo or with one extra person.

So what if the only way you’ve done your songs in the past is with a band. Get over it!

8. Thou shalt obey host at all times
I think this point is self explanatory. If a host cuts the maximum amount of songs from 3 to 2 halfway through the night and you havn’t performed as yet, don’t be offended. It’s no reflection on you. They’re just trying to fit everyone in on a very busy night.

Always remember that if the night is quiet an extra song or two may be added to a performers slot without notice, and who gets those? The performers who don’t complain when times are busy.

9. Thou shalt be encouraging and supportive of other performers.
For some people the possibility of playing in front of an audience at an open mic is much scarier than death itself. It maybe their first time ever on a stage.

Therefore, it’s so important that the environment created at an open mic is a supporting, inclusive, performer-friendly, positive and encouraging one.

The host, sound engineer and venue staff can only do so much in this department. The main responsibility rests with the other performers. Ways in which this optimum open mic environment can maintained are:

• Clap when a song is completed. At least make some acknowledgement.
• Give credit where credit is due.
• If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything.
• If you really like the performance, say so
• Stay for as long as you can after you’ve finished your performance.

10. Thou shalt be courteous to open mic and venue staff
Be nice to the host and you’ll get some breaks. Be nice to the sound engineer and your sound won’t suck and be nice to the venue staff and you’ll be served quicker

End of story!

11. Thou shalt have FUN!
Leave your troubles at the door and have the time of your life.

Fellow open mic’ers become really good friends in a very short space of time. If something is on your mind either chat to your new found friends or talk to the MC.

Remember, we’re all in this together. Let’s make it easy on everyone and have the best possible open mic experience ALL THE TIME!

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