Thursday, March 24, 2005
Get Out and Play!
The open mic scene in Rapid City is getting awfully good. I never fail to be amazed by the depth of talent in this area. On top of that, there's plenty of places for someone who enjoys playing a little bit. The week starts with the Cheers Sunday night open mic hosted by Shawn Bitz and Gary Rose of Abby Someone. This open mic has been my home base for quite a while and Shawn and Gary have been really great at supporting local musicians. For a long time this was the only show I played (I've won so many t-shirts and hats in their drawings that I can go a whole week withouth wearing a shirt I've bought). For a long time, it was the big dog show in town, but the success of this show has brought quite a few others about.
Currently in RCSD, there isn't any place to play on Monday or Friday nights, but every other night of the week, a musician can find a place to play in front of a crowd that may or may not be receptive. Tuesday's is Border's book store hosted by Joe. This is a new show hosted by a fellow open micer. This past week, only the show's third, had a full set of musicians and some fantastic performances. I certainly hop this show can keep going.
Wednesday is the day for Mike Reardon's open mic at Dunn Bros. Coffee. From relatively humble beginnings, relegated to the back room, this show has grown to be a big show, the best all ages show in the area. This past week, Mike had everyone sign up for a time slot to prevent open mic anarchy. Don't let any images of a rigid nature enter your head though, this is a fun show, the crowd is lively and as Mike pointed out last night, attractive women seem to keep showing up. Hey, what else am I gonna do with my Wednesday nights? Additionally, you can check out photos and audio from the show at www.acrossroads.com.
If you want to play on Thursdays, it's a short drive to Knight's Cellar in Spearfish. Hosted by one of my favorite area musicians, Steve Thorpe, this show is worth the trip. Some will enjoy owner David Potter's turely amazing beer selection, some will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. I like the show itself, an amazing mix of talent in nearly every style. The most varied selection of music at any open mic in the area.
Steve also hosts a new open mic at the Sacora Station in Piedmont on Saturday nights. This show has only been going a couple of weeks now, but we had a full slate of musicians this week. If I can drag TSA away from his Saturday night poker game, maybe Slappy is Jebus will start playing 3 nights a week. There was a nice non-musician crowd there as well this week. It's always nice to play for folks you don't know.
There're other shows in the area as well, folks at any of these open mics can clue you in to other places to play. I've just listed 5 places an aspiring musician can play. Very seldom does anyone incurr any emotional or physical scars from their 15 minutes or so on stage. There's nothing stopping you from playing someplace. Lack of talent? Hell, I played 5 nights last week.......
BOJ
Currently in RCSD, there isn't any place to play on Monday or Friday nights, but every other night of the week, a musician can find a place to play in front of a crowd that may or may not be receptive. Tuesday's is Border's book store hosted by Joe. This is a new show hosted by a fellow open micer. This past week, only the show's third, had a full set of musicians and some fantastic performances. I certainly hop this show can keep going.
Wednesday is the day for Mike Reardon's open mic at Dunn Bros. Coffee. From relatively humble beginnings, relegated to the back room, this show has grown to be a big show, the best all ages show in the area. This past week, Mike had everyone sign up for a time slot to prevent open mic anarchy. Don't let any images of a rigid nature enter your head though, this is a fun show, the crowd is lively and as Mike pointed out last night, attractive women seem to keep showing up. Hey, what else am I gonna do with my Wednesday nights? Additionally, you can check out photos and audio from the show at www.acrossroads.com.
If you want to play on Thursdays, it's a short drive to Knight's Cellar in Spearfish. Hosted by one of my favorite area musicians, Steve Thorpe, this show is worth the trip. Some will enjoy owner David Potter's turely amazing beer selection, some will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. I like the show itself, an amazing mix of talent in nearly every style. The most varied selection of music at any open mic in the area.
Steve also hosts a new open mic at the Sacora Station in Piedmont on Saturday nights. This show has only been going a couple of weeks now, but we had a full slate of musicians this week. If I can drag TSA away from his Saturday night poker game, maybe Slappy is Jebus will start playing 3 nights a week. There was a nice non-musician crowd there as well this week. It's always nice to play for folks you don't know.
There're other shows in the area as well, folks at any of these open mics can clue you in to other places to play. I've just listed 5 places an aspiring musician can play. Very seldom does anyone incurr any emotional or physical scars from their 15 minutes or so on stage. There's nothing stopping you from playing someplace. Lack of talent? Hell, I played 5 nights last week.......
BOJ
# posted by Blind Orange Julius @ 10:34 AM 
