Grammy nominee Bill Kirchen w/ his telecaster. Photo by Ian Gittler.  

“My momma always said, Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."   

Forrest Gump’s outlook on life could well describe any one of a number of  excellent area open mics and jams that add color, variety, and vibrancy to area nightlife.  After attending area open mics for decades, an overall portrait has emerged:  Open mics and jams are a little off-beat, a bit unpredictable, but may be the best kept secret in town.  For the average price of a movie night out, area music lovers may be surprised, even astonished at what they have been missing.  Considering how far mainstream music has fallen in the last decade, isn't it high time to go live and local?

Open mics and jams are a reliable staple of the local music community, yet are often overlooked by mainstream concert goers and music lovers.  Many music enthusiasts are eager to fork over up to two hundred dollars  to see a Neil Young, or a band like The Eagles, but are blissfully unaware of some great music being made right in their own backyards.  But old habits die hard; why hear great local talent for next to nothing, when you can pay two hundred bucks for the no-show Eagles? 

Skeptical?  Don't be fooled by the lack of fanfare for your friendly neighborhood open mic.   It may surprise the casual music fan to know that professional musicians, even Grammy Award winners, Grammy Nominees, and other virtually unknown but highly talented performers frequently run or perform at area open mics.  In the not too distant past, Grammy Award winner Mary Chapin Carpenter would routinely defy her manager’s advice, and drop in at the open mic at Louie’s in Bethesda.  A few years back, Grammy Nominee Bill Kirchen, former lead guitarist for Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, ran a wonderful open mic at the Half-Moon Barbecue in Silver Spring.  Garrick Alden, once the lead guitarist for the Grand ‘Ol Opry house band, now performs at the country open jam most Sundays at Remington’s of Laurel.  Warner Williams, an internationally known Piedmont style blues master is a frequent performer at a number of area open mics.  The list goes on and on.  Who knew?

A Win-Win

A well run open mic serves an important function in the foodchain of a healthy local music scene.  It is a  crucial breeding ground where new talent can be discovered, mentored and developed.  The venue wins because it welcomes patrons who spend money on an otherwise off night.  The band wins by exposing their name, and by growing their relationships with fans and players in the community.  The band also enjoys the benefit of interacting with excellent players, learning new genres, new songs.    Rising stars and seasoned visiting performers win for the same reasons, with the added benefit of convenience:  There is no lugging of heavy sound equipment, no travel, no financial risk.  Show-up,  warm-up, keep your live chops up

Open Mic 101

There is no universal open mic manual.  Each one has its own unwritten rules set jointly by the band and the venue.  That said, there are some basics guidelines that the best open mics follow:

In most cases, the band promotes the event, and also provides the sound system.  The visiting performers bring their own instruments.  The band starts each set with their own fifteen to thirty minute mini-set, and then calls up visiting performers who have signed up to play.  Performers play at least one song, but at most open mics, they play up to three songs, and then possibly sit in with the band for the next performer(s).  Sets run up to ninety minutes, with a fifteen minute break between sets until closing.  The role of the band or emcee is to get everyone up who has signed up, keep the atmosphere upbeat, and move things along in an entertaining fashion.

Bands, emcees and venue owners freely experiment with hybrids, rules and formats.  Iota in Arlington has their Open Mic Showcase sponsored by the Songwriters Association of Washington.  Performers audition their original material in advance, and the winners are invited to play at the Showcase.  Other options include Open Mic Audition Mondays, with rising stars and more seasoned performers invited back on Open Mic Showcase Wednesdays.  Local media and local or internet radio can cover and remotely broadcast the Showcase, virtually guaranteeing a full house.  Hybrids aside, there is nothing like the thrill of being blown away by a rising star or seasoned pro at your neighborhood watering hole.      

The sign-up list is sacrosanct:  If Elvis Presley pulls up in his Pink 1957 Cadillac Convertible, he signs up and waits his turn.   That said, seasoned musicians are creatures of the night and prefer playing later.  Newbies and seniors generally perform in the first set.  First time listeners may make note of this; be  prepared to stay until closing time, usually midnight during the week. 

The band may be tempted to treat the evening as a private practice session.  They may play too long, or  have the volume up too high.  Rule of thumb on volume:  Listeners should be able to converse without shouting.  The band may  play favorites when familiar performers show up, or break too long between sets while visitors wait.  The band  needs an emcee and someone else to run sound.  Delays need to be held to a minimum.  Good lighting is needed.  To be at their best, each performer needs a least ten minutes to tune-up and warm-up, and they need a heads up to get ready.      

For novices, this is not karaoke.  All performers need to be prepared in advance on the songs they perform, and know the lyrics cold - no song sheets.  Open mics are not American Idol either, novices can expect the atmosphere to be friendly, sociable and supportive. 

The venue's owner must give the open mic enough time to succeed.  A good open mic takes months to build up a following, but is usually well worth the investment for the venue, the band, and the visiting performers.

Conclusion

The open mic or open jam format is all about listening to and making great music, and having a great time doing it.  Newbies and  seasoned performers need to  get out and play.   If Grammy winners and nominees run or frequent open mics, why not you?   

For the venue owner, this is an opportunity to promote your establishment, support fine local musicians, and make money doing it.

Forrest Gump’s momma was onto something:  Just like that box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.  Just how much fun is that?

Now playing at a venue near you:

By definition, most open mics and jams held in public venues welcome all types of music, including country.  Line-ups and schedules change frequently so it's always advisable to call the venue in advance.  This is a partial list, for more, consult the banner on the right under; Venues Friendly to Country Music.  Feel free to chime in with your own open mic stories or suggestions in the  comment section below, or drop me a line at stevestegman@verizon.net

Tiffany Tavern - 1116 King Street , Alexandria, VA 22314. 703) 836-8844. T.T. is friendly to traditional, acoustic and bluegrass styles.  It is the only venue in town with an open mic four evenings a week, Monday-Thursday.  Primarily acoustic instruments, no drum kits.

J.V.’s of Falls Church - 6666 Arlington Blvd.  Falls Church, VA 22042 - 703-241-9504. Every Wednesday. Call ahead as the line-up alternates between four bands – all good.

American Legion Post # 86 - 2013 Views Mills Rd.  Rockville, Md. 20851.  301-424-4486.  Open mic, alternating fridays.  Public is welcome.  Call ahead for details.  

Remington’s of Laurel - 3340 Laurel Fort Meade Road
Laurel, MD 20724 (301) 490-7000. Open mic every Sunday 4:00-:7:00 pm.  Call ahead for line-up.

Sapphire Restaurant and Lounge 13308 Laurel Bowie Rd, Laurel, MD 20708 (301) 490-0555. Open mic every Thursday evening 8:00 pm-12:00 am.

Old Bowie Town Grille - 8604 Chestnut Avenue, Bowie, Md. 20715.  (301)-464-8800.  Wednesdays open blues jam.  Sign-ups start at 7:30 pm.

Annapolis Moose Lodge - 1890 Crownville Road. Annapolis, Md. 21401.  410-266-0688.  Open mic Sundays 4-7, friendly to country music.    

The Whiskey - 1803 West St., Annapolis, Md. 21401  (410)-626-6203.  Open mic Mondays.  Call ahead for hours and line-up.

The following clip is from Frank Gosman's open mic radio show at his barn in Clarksville, Md.  Garrick Alden is performing the original Gosman/Alden tune "Big B.O. from Bakersfield" with the house band.  Gosman set the standard for area open mics with his unique Country Showcase America format broadcast live on local or internet radio.  Gosman passed away in July of 2009 and is sorely missed.