Re: [Harp-L] SPAH open mic.

[Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

I have some concerns about the minuscule audiences at SPAH open-mic sessions. I wonder if any of you share them?

It is not much fun to practice your music for weeks before SPAH and then perform it for only 3 or 4 or fewer people at open mic. One year I performed for a single person!  I have a mic and amp at home.  I don't have to spend $1500 and travel 1000 miles just to use the SPAH electronics in an empty room.

I think that one problem is holding open mic in a separate room behind closed doors. In Detroit and Columbus when open mic was in an open atrium near the bar, there were much larger audiences. People passing by would pause, sit down, and enjoy the efforts of even the low-skilled beginners.

Another problem is that the performers themselves come, play, and immediately split.  The attitude seems to be that my amateur performance is worth listening to but the ones that precede and follow mine are not.  I saw a 20-person band spend 15 minutes setting up, play, and then every one of them packed up and left before the next performance.  I thought it was disgustingly rude.  

Open-mic is shunned by the professional and big-name performers. If, instead of holing up in a hotel room with their buddies,  they would come out and listen, comment, play, and generally rub shoulders with the amateurs, it would make an event of open-mic and draw a crowd.   One year Judy Smith was one of a handful of listeners when I performed at open mic.  She spent about two hours there that afternoon.  I enjoyed performing for her.  She is a wonderful person!

I appeal to you all, spend some time in the open-mic audience at SPAH. Applaud, comment, ask questions, and become involved.  Listen if you want to be listened to and appreciate what others play if you want to be appreciated.  If we want the harmonica to be "preserved and advanced,"  then we should encourage those who need the experience of playing onstage.    

OK, that is off my chest.  Am I wrong? 

Vern