STME58
470 posts
Jun 26, 2013
12:35 AM
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I finally got a Tuesday night free and went to Cosmos here in San Diego and signed up for a slot at the open mike. I was impressed by the quality of the musicians, all were playing guitar or ukulele to accompany their singing. The singing all seemed first rate. I was not sure how my unaccompanied harmonica was going to stand up.
I played something I have been working on for a while, Amazing Grace starting as slow and mournful as I can get it, then shifting to an upbeat grove while keeping elements of the melody recognizable. When the crowd started clapping along I new I had not done too bad.
We were allowed two songs so I pulled out a minor harp and started into a version of Summertime and got lost for bit but was able to find a good resolution to the phrase and then put licks together that I think ended up sounding OK even though it was nowhere near what I had intended when I started. I find a minor harp to be amazingly forgiving. I can find a lot more chords and licks that seem to work on a minor harp than a major one. I am not sure I could have landed on my feet like that after getting lost had I been playing a blues or major tune on a major harp.
The crowd seemed to give me more than just polite applause. I got positive comments from folks afterwards. It was a great venue and if anyone didn't like what I did, they kept it to themselves. I always wonder if I am really doing well or if folks are just being polite. Either way, I had fun and hope to do more of this. Nothing bring to the attention of an amateur like me the things that need work like a public performance. It is also interesting how large a mistake you can put out there and recover from if you just keep going and don't panic.
Last Edited by STME58 on Jun 26, 2013 12:36 AM
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eharp
2112 posts
Jun 26, 2013
3:53 AM
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you probably did well.
i always believe that folks are there to be supportive and have some fun.
have you ever noticed that tiger woods ALWAYS gets a hand, even when he drives it deep into the woods?
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SuperBee
1252 posts
Jun 26, 2013
4:43 AM
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Nice! My small experience with open mic nights has been that the audience is very supportive...most are other performers and their support groups, and the organisers of the event have a stake in running a friendly room. which is really what you want i think...
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JellyShakersTipJar
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BronzeWailer
1041 posts
Jun 26, 2013
5:53 AM
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Sounds like fun STME58. If they came up after I'm sure they weren't just being polite. I also went to one (non blues) jam last night. Too late to get on the list, but jumped in on about 10 songs (it's that kind of vibe). Played a couple of Dylan, Brown Sugar, Folsom Prison Blues and others I don't know the name of. Did backing vox on light my Fire. Good fun. When I've gotten there earlier I opened the jam with a solo set (three four songs) instrumentals and just me singing with harp. A bit daunting but good discipline.
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STME58
472 posts
Jun 26, 2013
10:25 AM
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So far all of my public musical interactions, playing in the park or at tha airport, blues jams, open mike, have been very positive. I wonder if playing music might change the attitude that the world is going "to hell in a handbasket" that many peole have held since long before the current crop with this attitude believes the world started going "to hell in a handbasket".
BronzeWailer, You mentioned discipline. I have found that what I am learing in martial arts helps my music and visa verse. I think the common thread is discipline and the confidence that comes from disciplined practice. (even if my practice does not always seem that disciplined :-))
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lumpy wafflesquirt
723 posts
Jun 26, 2013
1:49 PM
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STME58
That's much my experience of open mics Young girl singer song writer guitarists who sit down. I am the complete opposite. I sometimes use that as my opening line that I am not going to play guitar, or sit down and you'll be pleased to know I am not going to sing. My other opening gag is... "I know what you are thinking, where's his guitar?"
I think the solo harp makes a change and goes down well.
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"Come on Brackett let's get changed"
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harmonicanick
1975 posts
Jun 26, 2013
2:56 PM
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I think the common thread is discipline and the confidence that comes from disciplined practice. (even if my practice does not always seem that disciplined :-))
that sums it up, put the hours in, and its not how often but how much time you do. remember that the audience in open mics have very little idea of how the harmonica is played or sounds, so that is a bonus!! Also the girls love it..
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BronzeWailer
1042 posts
Jun 26, 2013
3:10 PM
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I hear ya, STME58. I force myself to do it public sometimes. I went busking the other day. It was pouring with rain, so I left the amp in the car, stood in the corner of the market and just did my thing acoustically. A little girl was peeking at me form behind a pillar for about ten minutes while her Dad ate a sandwich nearby. Brings a smile to the face.
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STME58
476 posts
Jun 26, 2013
11:08 PM
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BronzeWailer, I have yet to take the plunge into busking. I love to play in public settings but have not yet got the nerve to put a hat out.
Kids are great fun, especially when the parent is trying to walk by and ignore you and the kid is pointing and tugging on coattails to call attention to the man making music with his hands.
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BronzeWailer
1043 posts
Jun 27, 2013
1:20 AM
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Exactly, STME58. Now you can help the parent teach the child the importance of giving to musicians by putting the hat out! I always tell them to learn a musical instrument and listen to your father/mother 'cause they're always right. Warning: once you get the bug, there's no cure... :)
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