Guest blog by Casey O'Connell Hey Zukoids! ‘Practice makes perfect’ is more than some ancient proverb your parent’s have probably overused at this point, but it’s really very accurate. As a growing artist, you probably know how important practice is for improvement. You might know your instrument inside and out, and you might have a handle on singing and memorizing lyrics now, but what’s next? How about playing out to a crowd of strangers? That’s a scary thought. But you know what people say: sometimes the scariest things are the most fulfilling! I know I cannot get up in front of a crowd and act like a normal human being without sweating profusely and having my wobbly knees betray me. Fortunately, I know that stage fright is something that can go away, or at least get easier. It’s scary, but not impossible. Open Mic’s are a great place to start. Artists of different ages and experience levels come together under a very important commonality: they want to be heard. Showing up to an Open Mic will not only be a great way to push yourself to practice playing in front of a crowd, but you’ll also begin to gain confidence from that, as well as be able to network with musicians of all levels. It’s great to support and make connections with other musicians. You never know what you might be able to learn from or help someone else with. The music scene is a community, and you can strengthen your own self by getting involved in it. If you aren’t ready to play out just yet, check one out anyway. They’re usually at coffee shops or bars, so grab a drink and check out the local music scene. Talk to the artists and build relationships. Find out for yourself and then get up there! Even if you’re nervous, just go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose! I’ve compiled a short list for you about several Open Mic’s in the surrounding area. There are plenty more out there, Google is your friend. And, as I’ve said, the more musicians you meet at these might know of more places! Do you know of any other Open Mic’s you’d like to tell people about? Post them in the comment section and add them to the list! The Ridgewood Coffee Company90 East Ridgewood Avenue Ridgewood, NJ phone: (201) 493-1002 website: rcccoffeehouse.com info: Monday nights. Sign-up is at 6 PM, performances start around 6:30 PM. It’s a first come, first serve basis. An artist (depending on how many are signed up) will be able to perform 2-3 songs each. Mic & amp are provided. Cool Beans International Coffee & Teas304 Kinderkamack Rd Oradell, NJ phone: (201) 634-1400 website: coolbeansnj.com info: Every other Sunday. Sign-up is at 6/6:30 PM, performances start at 7 PM. There is a $3 cover for performers & audience members. An artist may perform 3 songs each. Piano, mic, & amp. are provided. Must call ahead of time to bring for approval to bring in a bigger instrument like a drum kit. The Fine Grind Coffee Bar101 Newark Pompton Turnpike Little Falls, NJ phone: (973) 837-0199 website: thefinegrindcoffeebar.com info: Sunday nights. Sign-up is at 7 PM, performances from 7:30-9:30 PM. It’s a first come, first serve basis with 10 available slots. An artist may perform for 10 minutes. Sound board, speakers, & mic provided. Trend411 Bloomfield Avenue Montclair, NJ phone: (973) 744-1333 website: trendcoffee.com info: Wednesday from 7 PM until 12 PM. Sign-up upon arrival. 2-3 songs per performer. Olive's 118A Main Street Nyack, NY phone: (845) 358-3120 info: Wednesday nights at 9:30 PM. They have a whole band set up but artists are welcomed to bring their own instruments. Artists may perform up to 3 or 4 songs. Caffé á la Mode1 Oakland Ave Warwick, NY phone: (845) 986-1223 website: caffealamode.com info: Friday nights. Sign-up is at 6 PM, performances start at 7:30 PM. It’s a first come, first serve basis. An artist will have 15 min. to perform. Mic & amp. provided. Tuscan Cafe 5 South Street Warwick, NY phone: (845) 987-2050 website: tuscancafe.net info: Thursday nights. Sign-up is at 6:30 PM, performances start at 7 PM. It’s a first come, first serve basis. An artist will be able to perform about 3-4 songs. PA system & mics provided. Rivara's6-18 Maple Avenue Fair Lawn, NJ phone: (201) 797-4878 website: rivaras.com info: Tuesday nights at 8:30 PM. It’s a first come/first serve basis. Mic & amp. provided. Tommy Fox's 32 S Washington Ave Bergenfield, NJ phone: (201) 384-0900 website: tommyfoxs.com info: Wednesday nights at 10. An open jam runs from 10-12. Featured artist starts at 9. Sign up starts at 9:30. Artists can perform 2 or more songs depending on length of sign up sheet. They have a whole band set up but artists are welcomed to bring their own instruments. Must be 21+. Do you guys know of any open mics in the area? Share the details in the comments and get your friends to come out!
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Casey
9/15/2015 02:19:44 am
*Update!*
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