Mis Amigos by John M RamirezOpen Mic NiteThere was a musician in town recently who was obviously experienced in the art of open mic participation. He was in town on business but had time in the evenings and rather than merely seek out live music, he wanted to be part of it. So we rented him an electric/acoustic and he set out find as many open mic nights as he could in addition to the few we had suggested. Upon his return, he reported having gone to six open mics in four days…quite an accomplishment! I guess this experience got me thinking about a song written by a good friend, Joel C. Williams, called “Open Mic Nite” that tells a story about a singer/songwriter, possibly himself, who goes to an open mic and has a story to tell about his experiences while at the bar awaiting his turn to play. I first met Joel at a songwriter get together many moons ago where I had the opportunity to do some backing guitar work for him and a few others who needed a little accompaniment. Our meeting led to several informal sessions where Joel would throw a song out and I would attempt to embellish, if you will, with some guitar work that a tune would bring out from within my musical soul. I was honored to have played guitar tracks on one of Joel’s compositions recorded by an artist from Poland that at last report was getting airplay in Europe. You can search on Spotify, Reverbnation and YouTube for Joel C. Williams to hear some of his compositions.I suggested to Joel that it would be cool to get out and make the rounds of some open mics and play his song which describes many such gatherings with fictional but somewhat accurate scenarios. We are oftentimes asked at Guitar Tex where the open mics are being held so I wanted to start by highlighting Las Chiladas Mexican Restaurant on N. Military Hwy/Castle Hills. Owner, Patrick Flores has provided his establishment as a platform for Live Music and we applaud his efforts. Las Chiladas, besides having some of the best tamales in town, has been the home of the Pro Musicians Luncheons held every other Thursday. These gatherings are great jam sessions that oftentimes features a local musician who is given an award for achievements in the music world. (I was humbled and honored to receive an award several months ago). While Las Chiladas books private parties also, there are regular monthly open mics and occasional shows by local bands and artists. (see website and Facebook page for more details). Every first Thursday at Las Chiladas, an open mic is hosted by Katrina Curtiss who is a music instructor at Sam Ash. Every second Thursday, Rod Campbell hosts the open mic night. Both sessions run from 7-9 with sign up starting at 6:30. PA is provided and both acoustic and electric guitars are permitted. Obviously, the sessions are keyboard friendly but no drums please…no offense to drummers but just not conducive to most open mics. At both Katrina’s and Rod’s open mics, participants may perform up to three songs and they do not have to be originals. The majority of open mics I have been to do feature mostly original music but the experience of getting up and playing is the most important thing and whether or not the tunes are original is not significant…it’s the performer and delivery leading to audience enjoyment that matters most.The longest standing open mic night is presently held at the Pigpen on Pershing, off Broadway and across from the Witte Museum. This weekly singer/songwriters extravaganza, hosted by John Whipple, is on Tuesdays from 7:00-10:30 and usually features an artist who is given a 30 minute set to showcase his/her compositions. All others wishing to play are allotted a three song offering and the evening are always enjoyable. Early sign up is recommended. There is an open mic at Mo’s Irish Pub in the Quarry every Thursday night in September hosted by Dennis Dean Dietz from 8-12; this open mic just started up last month and is catching on. Mo’s menu is really good too…my wife and I have never been disappointed. Great beer selection and friendly staff goes a long way too!So on with the tour dates…Joel and I will be at Las Chiladas on both Thursday, September 5th and 12th. Planning on the Pigpen Tuesday, September 17th and at Mo’s Irish Pub on Thursday, September 26th. Please come and join us on any or all of those evenings and bring your guitar! If you haven’t ever participated in an open mic, maybe YOUR time has come!
