The Open Stage Adventure

Tag: songwriters (Page 1 of 7)

Venue: Smile Tiger Coffee, Kitchener ON

April 12, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Smile Tiger Coffee is not your typical train station coffee shop. But there it is, just steps from the Kitchener VIA Rail pouring lattes and americanos, or craft brews if you prefer. And the first Friday each month there is a delightful open mic.

This event seems very well attended considering neither the venue (Smile Tiger Coffee) nor the sponsor (Brickhouse Guitars) promote it on their websites. I just happened to see a post from a friend to know it was happening.

 

  

Hosted by the friendly and talented Corey Heuvel, The Smile Tiger open mic attracts a high calibre of musician. The place was full and everyone had something great to offer. Solos, ensembles, covers and originals – lots of genres represented. And early enough to kick-start your Friday night.

   

Definitely worth a visit – bring your best.

[Smile Tiger Coffee 100 Ahrens Street West, Kitchener; first Friday of the month 7-9 pm, no cover, licensed]

Venue: The Amsterdam Bicycle Club, Toronto

July 26, 2017 / / 0 Comments

Some events make it worthwhile to stay up past my bedtime. The Amsterdam Bicycle Club’s Monday night open mic has been going strong for almost five years and seems to attract not only a high caliber of music but a great diversity of styles. Rap, electronica, folk, originals, covers, solo and full band numbers all graced the stage. According to Justin, a regular at the ABC, it is also a community of musicians who are very supportive of each other.

The internet led me to believe that sign-up started at 9:30, music at 10:00, three songs/15 minutes per performer was the drill. It is such a popular spot that, in an attempt to get everyone on stage, sign-up actually started at 9:00, music at 9:30 and two songs per performer.

       

Special thanks to Justin, Michel & Laura, Kunle, and India for taking a moment to chat and making the night even more memorable!

[Amsterdam Bicycle Club 54 The Esplanade, Toronto; Mondays 9:30 pm (sign up at 9:00); no cover]

Venue: The Red Brick Café, Guelph ON

March 30, 2017 / / 0 Comments

There has been a music-shaped empty space in Guelph for a while now. Once filled by the Magnolia Café and then by the Joint, the Red Brick Café took its turn last week hosting musicians on a Tuesday evening.

 

There was a very enthusiastic turnout, both performers and listeners.  Original songwriting, old standards, spoken word all had their time at the mic. I know I am not alone in hoping that they invite the acoustic open mic folks back again – maybe once a month? It is a lovely venue for music (the Café presents many live music events), the snacks are good, the service is friendly. And the people who came out to play… a fine group of people!

 

   

[Red Brick Café, 8 Douglas Street, Guelph; licensed – stay tuned for further Tuesday night developments…]

 

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]

A Magical Monday at the Boathouse Open Mic

April 12, 2016 / / 0 Comments

What a treat it was to be at the Boathouse Monday night open mic. So much great creativity and spontaneous collaboration!

IMG_20160411_212805Two highlights of the night were – unfortunately for us – from performers that are leaving Ontario this month: Jeremy Stuart (off to Alberta) and Lydia Mainville (heading home to New Brunswick). It’s hard not to love Jeremy’s heartfelt songwriting, sweet voice and general authenticity. Cello/Voice/Loop/Magic is how one poster describes Lydia’s music. It is magical indeed, combining the traditional with original composition, layering sound that casts a spell.

Fortunately – Lydia is hosting the open mic for the next two weeks and both are doing a whirlwind of gigs before leaving so check out their FB pages for dates (Jeremy, Lydia).

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And thank you to Midnight Run for the rousing Doobie Brothers cover : )

[Boathouse Open Mic, 57 Jubilee Drive, Kitchener; Mondays 8 pm; admission by donation; licensed]

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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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