View Full Version : anyone host an open mic
hi,
my partner and i have a possible opportunity to host a weekly (every fri) open mic at a local bar. we will prob do 2-3 a month and get a guest host once-twice/month. anyone do this out there? what do you charge? how long does it run?
just for background. we have been playing together for a year (guitar- mando/harmonica), and have done some pass the hat gigs, have some outdoor-town music nights booked for summer, and played a bunch of open mics, but we are weekend warriors who haven't played out much for money. we do have our own p.a., which we would use.
thanks for the input.
ira
peterbc
Apr-10-2004, 12:37pm
Charge who? I don't run one, but I've played a bunch and as near as I can tell, very little money changes hands. There is one I've seen that asks for $3 donations, but none of the others (that I've been to) do.
Peter
the guy doesn't want to charge performers or customers, and is willing to pay us out of pocket to host and play some (open it every night with a short set, and fill when its slow).
Blind_Cowboy
Apr-10-2004, 9:57pm
I go to 3 different open mics. The host band is featured in the e-mailers, flyers, and bar marquee. That's their payment. Anyone who performs gets discounted drinks. ($1 draft, usually) That's the incentive for the performers. I know of about 15-20 open mics around my area, and they all have similar set ups.
Blind Cowboy...
Steve G
Apr-11-2004, 12:46pm
If charging the venue, $40-60 is quite fair especially if you are using your PA. Remember you're "working."
dasspunk
Apr-11-2004, 3:00pm
I wouldn't do it for less than $100 ($50 for each of you) and free beer...
craigtoo
Apr-12-2004, 3:21am
'Round here (Nuremberg Germany) it's 30 bucks a head for the "House Band" and free drinks. #Anyone that performs get's a free round.
You'll always get the guy that shows up with one of those "Shaker Eggs" and expects to get free beer when he sits in with the house band... ha...
craig
definitely working on the cash, but i like that free drink thing too?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif i mean, you sure get thirsty up there, and then you can get thirsty while you watch, and setting up, and breaking down, and.......
duuuude
Apr-12-2004, 12:54pm
You'll always get the guy that shows up with one of those "Shaker Eggs" and expects to get free beer when he sits in with the house band... ha...
Dang, there goes my idea for tomorrow'a open mic. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
If your bringing a PA and setting up and playing all night and runnin the soundboard and tearing it all down.....$150 and free beer at the very least.....have you seen what it cost to rent a PA?.....thats worth more than your chargin........but if your doing it for the fun, then do it for the fun....and maybe some free beer...but leave the PA at home