Open Mic at Kaufmann's

[mlpratt@xxxxxxx]

I tried a new open mic in my neighborhood last week.  As most of you know open 
mics can range from incredibly good to incredibly bad.  This turned out to be 
pretty good.  It was run rather loosely, no sign up sheet or special 
protocols.  As I walked in there was a solo singer/guitarist (s/g) playing 
classic rock tunes.  He was accompanied by a harp player, who at first sounded 
like a newbie, getting his wings wet.  After a few songs I realized that he was 
totally soused and could hardly stand up.  I went up to the singer on a break 
between songs and inquired about playing.  The s/g had a huge look of relief on 
his face.  The first guy sat down (and later fell down while being helped out 
by his friends) and I sat in.  

The venue was an outdoor patio affair.  The music was basically acoustic guitar 
and harp.  The play list was chocked with classic rock, southern rock, and a 
little country rock.  Almost no blues to choose from. We started out with 
Elvis? ?Little Sister.?  It worked well and the audience began to take note.  
(Probably, that the first harp player sat down).  One song that worked really 
well was a Merle Haggard tune called ?Honky Tonk [something or other]?  We also 
did Stray Cat Strut. The last song (can't remember the name), he said was in 
C.  So I picked up my F.  Well into the song I realized it was a minor.  
Dropped the F and got the Bb.  I think that was the first time I ever realized 
that in mid song, i.e, I usually ask major or minor. We played 7 or 8 songs and 
then the s/g took a break.  He set up another solo singer/guitarist and let him 
go about a half an hour.  

This was a fun low key open mic.  No serious competition going on.  Very few 
performers meant you got to play a lot.  I?m going back this Thursday to do 
some solo pieces.  I?m trying to get my own singer/guitar player to join me.  

Best Regards to All,

Larry Boy Pratt