For me, open mics provided the opportunity to become comfortable playing "in public." It is also a great way to try out new material. I read somewhere that one must perform a song in a live setting 5-6 times before it gets really good. AT first I went to as many open mics as I could get to. Some were great, some OK, and some dreadful. I still get out pretty much every week to an unusual open mic - pub atmosphere, house band, etc. SOme of the best live music I have ever heard has been there.

With some digging, one can usually find an open mic where regular gigging musicians attend. This is a great way to network with the local community of musicians.

While there are opportunities to play "worthwhile" free gigs (charity fund-raisers, nursing homes, etc. - I play a few times a year at the Veteran's Home.), most musicians look at people who play for free as the equivalent of scabs in a union - especially those musicians who try to make a living gigging. Venues that don't pay are typically considered in the same class as karaoke clubs.


dw