ideas on starting a session or open-mike

Subject: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: jimmyt
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 10:06 PM

I am considering starting a session of sorts here in Georgia. We have few opportunities to jam with others and when something is available it is normally one style, mostly bluegrass.

I have a venue that would be glad to host us and would even give us a lot of publicity, and I have decided to start the first session with a set by my folk group, The Brookwoods, and hopefully I will be able to attract a fine group of Celtic musicians that is excellent but have few performance opportunities locally.

What I thought I would do is have each group do a 20-30 minute set then open up for a jam session or open mike for the rest of the evening. My questions are:
1) do you think we can successfully run an eclectic session with some folk, bluegrass, celtic and even singer-songwriter, jazz and oldtime folks thrown in for good measure?
2)How much structure do I need to give this to maintain some control over the music quality etc so the owner of the venue gets what he wants, attracting business to his winebar?
I guess just some general info on sessions, open mikes etc would be helpful as I have almost no experience in this area at all

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: tarheel
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 10:28 PM

well Jimmyt,you should make a trip to MT.AIRY,N.C., some saturday morning and see how we do a regular saturday morning jam, 9am til 11:00 am EDT...
it's held at the Down Town Cinema on main street in downtown Mt.Airy!
it's hosted by the Surry Arts Council and one of it's members is the MC,each week!
we have been doing this for so long now and it's a regular feature each week for the tourist who come to town to see and be a part of the "mythical town of Mayberry!"(andy griffith's home town!)
i am a regular musician who performs there each week and also a regular back up musician for anyone else who wants to come a join in with us,each week...
it's also free to the public and folks can come and go throughout the two hour program...
it's a great place for those starting out and want to get over the "stage fright" jitters...
anyway,we have a great time each saturday and you are welcome to come and see or be a part of the program!!!
a personal invitation from the "tarheel-tale-teller!!!
tarheel

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: Barry Finn
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 12:31 AM

Up here in Portsmouth NH, Tom has been running a session for at least a couple decades now & it a mix & it mixes well. It's generally folk. Traditional, contemporary, Sea stull, English, American, Scottish, Irish, singing & instrumentals, maybe some old country & even less a once & a great while bluegrass. It's pretty much all excepted as long as it's folk & it works extremely well. Everybody gets to sing a few & loads of stuff to join in on, you can just jump in or ask or if your seen singing along you'll most likely be asked to do something. It usually starts 4:30-to 5:00pm & lasts untill 9:00pm. It's probably the only mixer that I know of that works.
Good Luck
Barry

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: The Shambles
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 03:17 AM

1) do you think we can successfully run an eclectic session with some folk, bluegrass, celtic and even singer-songwriter, jazz and oldtime folks thrown in for good measure?

Yes it is possible. But perhaps starting what you don't intend to be conventional performance - with a conventional performance (with your band) is not the best idea. As this will only confuse all concerned (especially other bands looking for oppotunities for paid gigs) and possibly make returning to the non-performance situation very difficult - if not impossible.

From the start - all parties and especially the venue - should have a clear idea what the concept is intended to be and just as importantly what it is NOT intended to be. If this means a slow start - then so be it.

But once the concept is understood - it should grow and hopefully keep everyone reasonably happy as long as the disadvantages of trying this eclectic approach are recognised from the start. For example It is difficult to marry an open mic (and a stage) with an all-join-in session, but not impossible.

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: jimmyt
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 07:06 AM

Thanks for the input, all. I can glean some very good info from this. Tarheel, I was over there last August and actually spent the night in Mt Airy. Had no idea thats where you were or I would have given you a shout. Becoming great wine country these days instead of Andy Griffith! WHo woulda thunk?

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: tarheel
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 08:03 AM

JimmyT, last august i was suffering from a staff infection and spent a few days and nights in the hospital and some minor surgery too!
so i was not around the mt.airy, scene much that month...
please let me know the next time you are coming this way...
we would look forward to meeting you for sure!
come on back one weekend and spend the weekend with us and be a part of the jam in mt.airy on a saaturday morning!
take care...
tarheel

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: GUEST,NODDY
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 08:31 AM

Some friends of mine set up an open mike with your idea in mind of giving 20 mins to each performer , however their venture now proves to be so successful that some singers book in advance ,if you don't get there within 20 or 30 mins of the doors opening you do not get a spot and many do not get to play. Those that do get 2 songs. Now is that success or have they created a monster and it is out of control. The standard of performers is VERY high. And the room is packed week after week.
So beware!

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: Greg B
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 09:31 AM

If it's booked in advance it's not an open mike. It's a short
gig. Soon they'll all be booked in advance, then further and
further in advance.

Your friend should set it up such that there's a lottery
for two-song or ten-minute (whichever comes first) slot a half
hour or so prior to each event.

Those who are present (not their buddy, not their girl- or boy-friend...the principal, and not out in the parking lot
or in the can, or 'on my way'; people at the open-mike stage
of their career may as well learn about playing by the rules
and being on time) get a numbered ticket.

As numbers are pulled out of a hat, they get to put their
name in for their preferred slot in the rotation (some people
don't like to be first, others hate being last). If there
are gaps, the emcee reserves the right to make adjustments
though...it's just a preference.

As a courtesy, those who are in the first half of the evening
are expected to stay and listen until the break. Those in the
last half are expected to be there for all of that half. Those
who are too self-important to do so lose their slots and future
invitations to participate.

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: The Shambles
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 12:17 PM

1) do you think we can successfully run an eclectic session with some folk, bluegrass, celtic and even singer-songwriter, jazz and oldtime folks thrown in for good measure?

On reflection - perhaps trying to combine all these elements in one night is a little ambitious. It would be difficult enough to pull this off with previous experience and knowing in advance the sort of issues that will arise in advance.

One night for the open mic, and for acts taking turns using the stage and another night where whoever turns up can join in together and not use the stage at all - is perhaps more realistic for a first attempt.

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: tarheel
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 05:09 PM

our Jam that we have in mt.airy,n.c., is a "round robin" affair...
you are numbered as you get there and so on...
and,you get to perform one song each time,unless you are part of a duet or trio...
but it works fine every week and has for over 15 years now!
most of the weeks i've been there each performer gets at least 3 times at the mike in a two hour show...
tar...

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: breezy
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 05:12 PM

is it the musicians who are bringing in the busuness or non-participants?

If the latter, then vet the performers or you could lose custom

looks like this could take some planning

charge the performers to perform $5 which can be rolled up and a % given to the most popular act on the night as judged by the audience

too many performers can become tedious

good luck

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: tarheel
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 06:25 PM

charge peformers to perform???
then you'll have ZILCH peformers in line!!!!
not exactly the way it supposed to work!
tar...

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: Gurney
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 04:16 AM

In a winebar? I should think you would have to control the venue first. If you had an official 'club' type of scene, where people paid a pittance to get in, then you could ask them to be quiet if they started to get noisy, but otherwise I suspect that you would be simply providing cheap background music for the owner.
There are plenty of performers who could carry off a spot in those conditions, but they are seasoned and proficient, and have a good reportoire. It would work, but there might be bumps in the road, especially with new performers.

Go for it. It could be a great scene.

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: jimmyt
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 07:22 AM

yes I realize it may be just not the typical venue. It is a winebar and I have already played there several times myself even last night with a jazz guitar bass combo. Some people listen some don't it was fun and gave us some playing time so all was well as far as I am concerned. When we get this rolling if and when we start regular music with a few different performers, then it will be with the understanding from the patrons that it is music night and they will be asked to listen rather than the normal winebar atmosphere.

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 09:34 AM

Here in Indianapolis, there's a once a month open mike on the third Friday of every month, at a coffeehouse called (imaginatively) The Corner Coffeehouse.

The lady who runs it starts the evening out singing, before much of an audience or many (any?) singers/musicians show up. She puts out a signup sheet, on which you can put yourself in a slot during the evening.   Each performer gets something like 20 minutes, assuming there aren't TOO many wanting the mike, in which case the slot may get cut back to maybe 15 minutes.

I don't like to be first after my hostess, and maybe not second, because the audience may not have built up at that point. I like third or fourth. For more or less the same reason that I don't want to be the earlybird, I don't like to be at the end: By that time some of the audience is melting away. However, signing in the third slot doesn't guarantee that's when I'll be on, because if there's no-one else there yet the hostess may ask me to take the mike early. And just once or twice the hostess has asked if she can slide in someone who just HAS to get away, and

It's a small room. Maybe 15, usually not more than 20 people, including performers. There are a number of regulars, including myself as a semi-regular.   Some real good, some okay, some rather so-so, and one or two rather unskilled. But a good time is had by all.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 09:40 AM

Why not offer free dental checks on entry. That should fill the place!

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: Greg B
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 05:11 PM

Pay to play, in whatever form, is evil.

Just say no.

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: jimmyt
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 09:39 PM

THe dental checkups after I have had a glass or 2 of a nice Pinot Noir is probably a little less than professional...not that I am ruling it out, mind you...

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: Tootler
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 03:11 PM

jimmyt

This thread, if you read through it carefully contains a lot of hints and tips which you may find useful.

What a fringe contributes to a festival

It was not the purpose of the thread, but it does provide a whole range of experiences on various types of activity; sessions, singarounds etc. OK it's a UK perspective, but I am sure people have similar experiences on your side of the pond.

Geoff

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 05:40 PM

Jimmyt,

i rarely go out to see performers in the Atlanta area where I live. Many are novice songwriters who aren't quite accomplished enough to hold attention. Others have favorite performers they attempt to cover.

Here's the problem. To reach an audience that will support you, there has to be a standard set for high quality entertainment. Most of the pros won't do it for free.

Bluegrass has it's own venues and is covered as you know.

i think that you need to have performers in a variety of musical styles that have something unique about them. The audience needs to have as much fun as the performers.

This is the way it used to be in the coffee-house venues that I remember.

Try something that special in this area. Maybe a great local jazz singer.
Maybe a traditional folk singer who doesn't normally have a venue such as a five-string banjo player that sings Old Time songs. Maybe a virtuoso musician on guitar, piano, fiddle or any other instrument who needs to play out. Maybe a local blues singer.
A poet who has merit and no place to recite. A classical leider singer or opera or show music singer who has audience appeal. A small jazz combo. Maybe a recorder or early music consort. An East Indian sitar, tabla, singer etc. A good local Hispanic group or any representative of Atlanta's diversified ethnic community. Some great Celtic folks around here. Mix it up but keep it high standard. Look for those who don't normally have a venue in which to perform.

Also, be on the lookout for interesting non -pop type bands who may not be able to afford to be paid much because they are too large. Old-Time string bands, Celtic groups, jazz groups, singing groups (such as accapella stylists), early music consorts, brass quintets, woodwind groups, even good classical string quartets or quintets. Check the music departments of the various local schools such as GSU, DeKalb College, Kennesaw etc.

Important!   Have a good sound system and a good sound system operator who really knows how to work it and make the performers feel good.

Don't get an M.C. who is lame or attempts to be funny. If you can find a talented one like Andy Offut Irwin, then you are really lucky. Above all, think of being entertaining to an audience first.

It can be done IF you keep the standards high. Then they will come.

Frank

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 05:47 PM

You don't get advice like that, from someone as esteemed as Frank Hamilton, anywhere but the Mudcat. Priceless, and right on the mark.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: jimmyt
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 07:15 PM

Thanks for the great info, Frank. I am only an hour up the road, what would it take to lure you up here? We would be honored to have you make a guest appearance some week. THanks again.   jimmyt

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 07:53 PM

Jimmy - A few years back I was setting a duo up and we wanted an opportunity to rehearse , preferably with a bit of audience feedback . We fopund a pub that was agreeable and set up an evening , with us starting things off at the agreed time , and then working round the room if any one wanted to sing or play . NONE of the visiting performers got any money , and we got minimum expenses - It covered petrol and an occasional restring only ! WE had a ball , the Publican loved it , a lot of local folkies came along for the fun of it and WE had a nice place to rehearse . Some nights we played a HELL of a lot , other nights we had SO many performers we barely got round the room three times ! And that was in THREE hours . The locals had an evening of assorted live music , the Landlord had a good crowd in on a night he was normally fairly quiet , and No Turn Unstoned became a fairly polished Folk Act .

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: tarheel
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 08:23 PM

Jimmyt,you maybe able to lure me to your open mike thingy too,
if and when you get started, so please let me know!
but..GOOD LUCK to your effort and hope it all goes terrific for you and everyone involved!
tarheel

Subject: RE: ideas on starting a session or open-mike
From: jimmyt
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 10:14 PM

I will keep in touch Tar. Sounds like it would be fun jimmyt