The Open Stage Adventure

Month: October 2016

Venue: Open Mic at the Café Creperie, Elora ON

October 31, 2016 / / 0 Comments

I have been going to the Tuesday night acoustic jam at the Creperie for years – not sure why it has taken me so long to check out the open mic that has been running since 2014 at the same space. Unlike the acoustic jam which is more of a song circle format, this one has a sound system set up and ready to plug into for 3 songs (or more depending on how busy the night is).

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Frank was our host on this particular Friday night and Michel played guitar leads for just about every performer who stepped up to the mic. This open mic doesn’t have much of an on-line presence – the last mention of it on the Creperie FB page is in October 2015 – but it is still happening, has a regular following and lots of great music.

[Café Creperie, 40 Mill Street West, Elora ON; Fridays 7:30-11:00 pm; no cover, licensed]

Venue: Songwriters’ Showcase at The Churchill, Waterloo ON

October 20, 2016 / / 1 Comment

songwriters-showcase-posterI’m always excited to see a new forum dedicated to songwriters. There are many places to share well-loved covers and old classics but not enough where original songwriting is celebrated and given the spotlight. Jay Moore has launched just such event in Waterloo: Songwriters’ Showcase at the Churchill Arms – or just “The Churchill” as it is referred to by owner Bob Ringwood. Bob is a fan of folks coming together to share music. The Churchill is also home to a Tuesday night open jam, Wednesday Celtic jam, Thursday Blues night, and karaoke on Friday.

The inaugural event was held October 16th and featured Sing Me a River and David Lum. Performers shared stories (including tales of life-changing Nashville trips) and inspiration behind their songs. Hosting the event on a Sunday is a welcome change for those whose workdays don’t allow for late weeknight events.

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The Songwriters’ Showcase will continue every Sunday afternoon with 3 song sets followed by a half hour feature set. Contact Jay (jay.moor[email protected]) in advance to request a spot on the performers’ list.

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[Songwriters’ Showcase at The Churchill Arms, 355 Erb Street West, Waterloo; Sundays 2:30-5:00pm, licensed, no cover]

My Mission:

The goal of this website is:

1) to explore open musical spaces (jams, open stages, song circles) and what draws us to them; and

2) to promote and celebrate these events and venues where people come together to share music.

I would like to forge and strengthen connections between the various musical communities and promote grassroots folk music.

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