If you're new to this social gathering and you're trying to find the right one for you, here is what I believe will help you make the right decision.
The Open Mic Host
The host is the one that runs the show. When you first show up at the event, you should go and see the host first, they will show you where the list is to sign up. I stress the importance of the open mic host because it's the host that sets the tone for the show!
An open mic is a community. A place where artists can go and bounce ideas off each other, to have fun and enjoy the company of other people. Artists come to grow and learn from each other. A great host makes it that kind of place. They get to know your name. They support you and want you to come back. They treat you like a friend.
Some might think that the bigger the audience the better the event, but that is not necessarily the case. The thing is about open mics, is that the strength of a good show comes from the people. If you have a packed house, but everyone is talking over the performance or no one is supporting, then you are losing potential fans.
When people get loud and start to get louder than your performance, a considerate host will literally "shush" the crowd. The host will make it known that while people should not be required to never talk, the audience should respect the performer and keep all conversations at a low level. A good open mic host should do that! The host should make you feel welcome and comfortable. It's hard to go up and perform in front of people. It takes a lot of courage to go up and do that and a host should help you out as much as they can. They want to know your name and they want you to keep coming back.
The Community
Not only is a host important, but the community is just as important. To repeat what I said earlier, the strength of an open mic is in it's people and NOT in the numbers. What's the point of performing to 100 people if everyone is talking over your performance and you don't get to grow as an artist? I'd rather have a small room with 10 people that are listening intently and talking to you after your performance, asking you about how long you've been playing, who your influences are, and maybe even you can do a show together!
The community is one of the most important pieces of a good open mic. Your goal is to find an open mic that makes you feel welcome. They help you grow as an artist and at the same time enjoying the process.
Emilio Basa is an independent singer songwriter and the creator of musicians-journey.com, a blog offering tips and advice for musicians at all levels. His unique style is a blend of folk, pop and soul. To download a free mp3 of his latest single, Poor Boy, click HERE.
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