comedy.openmikes.org

This is a great performance space. Vitto just does sound so there's no host that takes up performance time, and no ego either. You get to perform 3 songs. or fifteen minutes. The crowd is full of students, people of all ages and ethnicities and genders. I would say project and feel confident even if you are new. The crowd is supportive but if you are mousy and sing really soft you are going to get lost in the noise. Yes they do talk through your set, but if you're really good and you've got something to say or sing about, this is the place to play. If you want to build a following this is the place to be. If you have a new song and want to fine tune it, this is the place to play. This venue is getting bigger and bigger as word gets out. That being said, get there early, enjoy the great coffee and drinks, bring your PC, then sign up when the list gets out. Vitto is the tall handsome dark curly haired itallian host. Very friendly and into boosting the performance opportunities of unsigned artists. The audience is receptive and will buy your CDs if you are good and unique. Call first because sometimes they have an event at the theater (where the coffeeshop exists)that interferes with the music or space. In that case they usually cancell the open mic for that night. Also if there is a holiday involved. So best to call first to make sure. Word to the performers… engage your audience! they are a supportive group and come usually just for the fun, but the coffee is great and the staff is awesome and gracious. Come early if you are a listener as seating is hard to find once the evening starts. Really sometimes there is standing room only. But I notice if they like your music, they will stay and stand as long as humanly possible. I wouldn't bring a full band… no room… small stage area. but if you are an accoustic act with guitars,vocals and maybe a hand drummer, you're fine; keyboards are okay too… just be mindfull of the set up time. Be kind to the other musicians and people who want to perform after you. I always say keep the talking to the audience at a minimal. They are polite but they don't need or want to hear your lifes' history. Save that for your showcases. I say that because some acts just ramble on, and I know from experience that is the best way to loose your audience. You can explain your song or why you wrote it. That's great… then just get into it. Your songs should speak for itself. You can play covers, but this audience really likes and appreciates originals. Also please try and stay after your set. It's only polite. How do you know you won't be inspired by another artist? Keep the door of opportunity open. also keep your talking down when you get finished, you can always talk outside.:"Respect the mic". Is it not what you want when you are performing? We meet no one by accident. so stick around. You will meet some wonderful people.

Sign up at 7pm