This is a true open mic - open to all regardless of genre, ideology, or skill level. All are welcome. We hope to see you here!
Sign up at 7. Music starts at 8, runs generally until 10:30
How it works (at this point in time) is if you want to play you show up and check in with the host and get your name on the list. Sign up is in person and on a first come first serve basis starting around 7. The open mic takes place in the back room of Cafe Coco. The sign up sheet will be with the host, either in the back room near the stage or (occasionally) on the front porch. Music starts at 8 pm and runs generally until 10:30 pm. However, it could go later depending on circumstances. Until further notice, you will probably get to play no matter when you show up, though your stage time may be limited.
At this point in time, Lucinda Rouse runs Tuesday night and Peter Dickson holds down Thursday. However, they are often both there on any given night.
Generally speaking, musicians get two songs a piece for the first round. Once everyone present has played, we go through again with everyone still present getting another song. Typically the event winds down between 10 and 11 pm, but occasionally it will go late. This depends on the time availability of the host and the interest level of the musicians and of the crowd. But you can generally expect to play two songs minimum, three or more of you stay beyond the first round.
This open mic is not a listening room - spectators can talk. If you do attend and feel compelled to converse, try to keep it low out of respect for the musicians and other audience members who may be trying to listen. The Golden Rule is - treat the artist on stage as you would like to be treated.
This open mic is a music open mic. It is primarily (but not exclusively) for people who play instruments and sing. If you do something else and want to get up, just show up and talk to the person hosting it and something can probably be worked out.
This open mic is not a writers night. Originals are preferred but covers are totally cool. People can perform solo, or with other people, and can perform any style of music. There are some limitations mostly having to do with the PA and the space. The PA is a Bose mini-tower with limited monitors. We provide 2 dynamic vocal mics on boom stands and 2 1/4” cables. The PA has no reverb and EQ only on the vocal channels: it sounds good but it’s pretty rudimentary. Occasionally the hosts will supplement the house system with their personal gear (reverb, condenser microphones etc) to improve the sound but that varies on a weekly basis.
It works best if you have an instrument that plugs in. If you have an instrument that does not plug in, we will find a way to get it amplified with a mic, but it makes it easier if you have something with a plug.
If you are a keyboard player, we do not have a house keyboard at this time, so please bring your own keyboard and stand and we will be happy to get you onstage.
If you play electric guitar, we will be happy to plug your guitar straight into the board, but it will sound a lot better if you bring your own amplifier.
If you are a band, we will find a way to get you onstage, but please keep in mind that this is a small room that operates at slightly above acoustic volume levels, and there are limited and inconveniently placed stage plugs. A full drum kit is pretty much out of the question; it’s too loud for this event and takes too long to setup/tear down- instead bring a cajon, hand drums, or a muted three piece kit (Violent Femmes style) with brushes or rods and you’re probably good to go percussion-wise. Right now, the open mic is at a size where there’s a little bit of leeway in terms of setup and takedown time but it’s better to go with a more stripped down rig in order to get on and off stage quicker.
In general, come out, play music or spectate! Be kind to one another and respectful of the audience and other people. Have fun, meet some awesome people, enjoy/perform some great music, and don’t take yourself too seriously! We hope to see you here!
