OUT IN PUBLIC

www.bighornmusic.com

www.myspace.com/rhinomusic1

Musicians, when you are out playing in public it takes being aware. There are many variables going on at the same time. If you go out to play open mikes you add to the list. If you go with your eyes straight ahead you will miss everything that makes an open mike a success.

The Club Owner Or Manager

This person may be a music fan or just someone who likes running a club where folks can gather. Either way you can be sure they are betting on the open mike bringing in musicians and there friends to buy food and drink and maybe come back to the club on non open mike nights.

Host

Could be just a sound man, a solo artist or band that (may or may not provide equipment.) The Host determines who plays when and makes sure the performer is heard properly. This person is usually picked by the owner or manager. The host often mentions good acts to open on other nights.

Club Staff

People who work in the club (bartenders, wait persons, buss help, kitchen etc) are the folks who make the club work. They are there on the open mike night but they get the job done on the other nights. Often club staff who enjoy open mikes are great cheerleaders to keep them going during the slow months in the summer. Great resource for how decisions are made.

Suppliers

People who supply food, booze, maintenance and other product delivery products to the bar. They make great sponsors. They are in the bar business.

Patrons

People who come to the club on open mike can be usually divided into two groups, those who came to hear the music and those who came to enjoy other aspects of the bar. Musicians always compete on open mike night with sports, darts, pool, poker, karaoke, etc. Weather they are happening right then or could be happening is something the club looks at when it decides whether to continue open mikes or not. Always being good to those who show at the bar for the music or otherwise creates a good vibe for the open mike. Of course encouraging friends and fans to go to the open mike and showing up on nights when you don't play makes sense.

Open mikes give musicians a chance to hone their skills on stage and off. They are a precious resource to a music community and should be nurtured by all who make up that group.