Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeBmusic
Good advice from everyone so far. Especially 'keep it simple'. Remember that many people that show up at an open mic are inexperienced performers are they'll be expecting you to help and encourage them.
Make sure you have a regular 1/4"-1/4" guitar cable (and a spare) to plug people in (they won't bring their own), and a spare mic cable, just in case one of yours fails.
A stool for the performer to sit - and a chair, too, because sometimes shorter people are not comfortable with their feet off the floor!
A music stand - and a small light that clamps onto it, unless the overhead lights are good in this store. Many OM performers need one.
When I was running my first OM, I quickly realized that one thing I needed was a DI combo pedal that let me mute the guitar signal quickly, rather than having to run over to the PA board and mute the channel (which didn't mute the monitor, you wont' have one, so not a concern). That's why I got my Radial PZ-Pre - it'll accommodate an active or passive pickup - actually 1 or 2 guitars at one time, and provides a quick way to mute before players unplug themselves.
Seating 70-80? Unless this is a great 'listening venue' that others know about, expect a rather small turnout as you start. Give the performers 15 minutes or 3 or 4 songs, even if you only have a few players show up, then rotate, and restart the rotation to fill the time. Greet everyone who comes in, get them signed up (I prefer going in sign-in order, rather than set times).
Those Nashville venues all pay for their PRO license (BMI/ASCAP/SESAC).
If this OM continues as a regular thing and you do any 'advertising' (facebook, social media, etc), the PRO guys will find you eventually.
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We have yet to have under 50 at any of our seminars, so I am hoping for the best.
My mic stand has a music/tablet holder and clip on light.
I have plenty of spare cables
I like the PZ-Pre, but can't invest in one now. I will have to just make everyone aware to let me know before they unplug and stand by the board for muting.
I like sitting myself, so will have a bar stool on hand.
What could possibly go wrong LOL!