Re: [Harp-L] SPAH open mic.

[Frank Mangiapane <frank.mangiapane@xxxxxxxxx>]

*RIGHT ON, VERN !
*
On Thu, Jul 22, 2010 at 2:27 AM, Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> 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
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-- 
Franko