Open Mic: Start 2021 By Performing To Appreciative Audience

We provide an outlet for local acoustic performers – singers, songwriters & poets all welcome. We encourage all levels – novice or expert – to hone performance skills in front of a sympathetic audience.

Everything is provided – microphones, stage, lighting, leads, music stands – plus a dedicated sound tech who will work with you to make your best!

If you have specific requests please talk to him before the event starts. We are a listening audience that focuses respectfully on the performers and lots of encouragement.

Perform material you know – we don’t expect perfection but you’ll always come across better if you really know your stuff. However, if you are a regular performer at our open mics we challenge you to bring new material to share.

Further develop your repertoire whilst offering the audience variety.

Sign-up time is 7pm. Please come promptly to ensure a time-slot. You will get to perform two songs, with a time-limit of up to 10 minutes; this includes your setting up and introductions.

You are most welcome to bring your own mic.

Doors open at 7 pm, for sign up and familiarise yourself with venue and the sound team. The Open Mic starts at 7.30 pm.

Door sales cash only. Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break, also bar facilities for cold refreshments throughout the night, Eftpos available for purchases only, no cash-out facility. Folk Club and Irish Society members please remember to bring your membership card. Non-members sign in at bar.

Some tips for performers:
- Be tuned-up and ready to take the stage when it’s your turn.
- Stay close to the mic for best vocals – our mics work best between 25 and 75mm.
- After you play, the polite thing to do is stick around and listen to others.
- Be positive and encouraging. It takes guts to get up and everyone deserves bouquets for doing that.
- We all make mistakes, blow chords, and forgets lyrics sometimes. Don’t worry and don’t apologise.
- Do play contrasting songs (One slow, one fast, one in major, one in minor, one strummed, one fingerpicking etc.)
- Don’t play two songs in the same key back-to-back. Even if an audience doesn’t know, their ears will start to get bored.
- Don’t apologise before you play a song. We want to be excited about your song, support yourself by being positive.
- Do have fun! Savour the experience. You transmit your feelings from the stage – so if you have fun so will the audience.
- Practice your introductions, short & specific – you’d prefer they remember the song and not the long-winded ramble – right?
- Do prepare. Don’t launch into something you’re still learning * be kind to yourself and take the time you need to prepare and be confident!
- Keep coming back. You’ll get better and better…

…and bring your friends to cheer you on.