open mic

i put the mild success of the pen and quills open mic night down to the fact that it was free (and everyones afraid of the credit crunch) and that it was one of the only places in taunton that was hosting regular live music.

i presumed that in bigger towns and cities that actually had live music venues, the need for open mic nights wouldnt really exist. why would you want to sit in a grubby pub, listening to the same old sub quality cover versions, when original bands and artists are playing in the local union bar, supporting touring acts.

it would seem though that my presumptions were wrong, which is good.

a trip to exeter on friday night for a rum latte would reveal that the open mic night is a popular feature on a students calender. a few emails to friends in other cities reveals the same story, bath, exeter, bristol, all host several open mic nights.

perhaps its the intimacy of an open mic night. the artists are there, drinking on the same level as you. they play their set and then rejoin you at the bar. perhaps the divide between artists and audience is destroyed making those that attend feel that they are actually involved in the night, even if they dont perform.

perhaps, especially where competition for a space on the bill is high, the lure of a bill that constantly shifts between musical genres, abilities and style is what brings people to the nights. not one single person can dictate musically where the night will start and where it will end. new performers will emerge every week and regular faces will attempt new ideas not yet polished enough for a proper show.

whatever the reason, it is extremely reassuring to know that the south wests music scene appears to not entirely revolve around what is coming from afar and what is printed in the national music press. there is still a stage for, and a demand for local, informal music performance.