By the way Jam nights are very different to open mic nights.

But the problem is people are not sure how to differentiate the two.

With a jam night you have a resident band who can play or there are random musicians in the audience who attend so they can play with others. They can play with you. The resident band sets up the gear earlier in the day.

For example, at the Albion Hotel (on tonight, 7.30), you put your name up on a board and write what you want to do (e.g. Born to be wild) and if you want to do a couple of songs that is fine.

When your slot comes, if your a singer the co-ordinator will ask if anyont in the audience knows the song. If they do you get a band behind you. Usually the resident band is full of muso's that have gigged for decades and know lots of standard pub stuff.

There is no cover charge and the jam night could not care less if you did originals or covers. If you do originals, bring a simple chart if you want others to play with you. Or you might have to rehearse with some friends beforehand and bring them along.

You can bring your own instruments or use the resident band instruments, but treat them with respect.

Music Addict was fairly accurate with his definition of open mic, But never seen a cover charge personally. At the Albion I am sure the food & drinks consumed justify the night for the hotel.

-Michael

Submitted by Music Addict (a singer from NSW, Australia):
Vic: You take an open mic and sing into it? Seriously, usually original material ( no covers ) and usually partnered with instruments either provided by the venue or by the artist. 10 artists per night with a 15 minute allocation to do what you want.

Its an interesting challenge running an open mic as they all like drinking water so you need a door charge to make it worthwhile and this implies they need to sing to justify the door charge :p
Submitted by Rockgod on 20-07-2008

Meet karaoke hosts and singers in the Where2sing.com forums . . .

Where2sing.com