fungusyoung
Senior Member
Open mic, round 2
Well, last night went much better than my first open mic last month. I still wasn't entirely comfortable up there, but there was never a deer in the headlights moment either. Played 2 originals, and closed with an obscure unreleased cover that nobody in there had ever heard. Very kind audience again, and the hosts are just fantastic. It's a guy and gal, and they usually do a set of 5- 6 songs themselves at some point during the night along with any supporting cast members that want to play along with them... I guess the regulars.
It's a very cool vibe (note: if anyone's travels ever takes you to the Poconos on a Wednesday night... Sarah Street Grill). The hosts have a lot to do with that vibe... here's couple examples.... as I'm plugging in & quickly tuning up, I'm talking to the female host off-mic and compliment them on how comfortable they made it for me last time... which is why I came back. She responded by saying something to the effect of "playing your songs should never be made hard". How simple, yet true.
And the male host not only remembered my D25 from last time, but he also immediately noted the DV52 with his "another Guild!" remark. Very cool. And boy.... does that guitar ever sound AMAZING! I had a Fishman Matrix Natural installed in her, and now she sings through a PA just as nicely as she does unplugged.... the great job those folks did on the board didn't hurt either.
Anyone on the fence should just get out there & try to play one of these to see how it goes. Expect the worst the first time. Be as prepared as you can & don't overstay your welcome... hit 'em with your best 2 or 3 tunes & get off. From there, it gets much easier. Trust me, I'm a very simplistic writer and strummer (self-taught & only 3.5 years into playing now), and a total amateur vocalist trying to find my way. But after just playing 2 of these now in the past 3 weeks or so, I suspect I might end up loving to play live at some point not too far off.
Well, last night went much better than my first open mic last month. I still wasn't entirely comfortable up there, but there was never a deer in the headlights moment either. Played 2 originals, and closed with an obscure unreleased cover that nobody in there had ever heard. Very kind audience again, and the hosts are just fantastic. It's a guy and gal, and they usually do a set of 5- 6 songs themselves at some point during the night along with any supporting cast members that want to play along with them... I guess the regulars.
It's a very cool vibe (note: if anyone's travels ever takes you to the Poconos on a Wednesday night... Sarah Street Grill). The hosts have a lot to do with that vibe... here's couple examples.... as I'm plugging in & quickly tuning up, I'm talking to the female host off-mic and compliment them on how comfortable they made it for me last time... which is why I came back. She responded by saying something to the effect of "playing your songs should never be made hard". How simple, yet true.
And the male host not only remembered my D25 from last time, but he also immediately noted the DV52 with his "another Guild!" remark. Very cool. And boy.... does that guitar ever sound AMAZING! I had a Fishman Matrix Natural installed in her, and now she sings through a PA just as nicely as she does unplugged.... the great job those folks did on the board didn't hurt either.
Anyone on the fence should just get out there & try to play one of these to see how it goes. Expect the worst the first time. Be as prepared as you can & don't overstay your welcome... hit 'em with your best 2 or 3 tunes & get off. From there, it gets much easier. Trust me, I'm a very simplistic writer and strummer (self-taught & only 3.5 years into playing now), and a total amateur vocalist trying to find my way. But after just playing 2 of these now in the past 3 weeks or so, I suspect I might end up loving to play live at some point not too far off.