Tonight I got interviewed a bunch about my thoughts on open mics. It’s flattered to be viewed as an authority, but of course, I also take it as my due!
I talked a lot about how open mics effect a community, how wonderful relationships form in and around them – and I talked about how much I believe in the format and how much I Love running mine… I also mentioned that I think it’s important to QUIT hosting them before they make you bitter!
And I wonder how far away that is for me – if I’m going to eventually get sick of doing this. If there’s a format or a particular venue that would make me more or less bitter. I think that the loss of the Old Bowie Town Grille open mic doesn’t bother me that much because that kind of community that makes me feel like I’m doing something great simply hadn’t coalesced around it and so, for the first time, I was genuinely just doing it for a paycheck after a while. I think Bob and I were pretty much on the same page when I brought up the possibility of stopping it – and I think it panned out just fine for everyone.
Edith May’s Paradise on the other hand – it was NEVER going to be a paycheck gig because of the tips-based method by which I was getting paid. Unfortunately this night I ALWAYS came away with incredible warm fuzzies and I AM kind of sad that the scheduling failed to work out for everyone. They’re moving to a Saturday night and that’s not a night that I can financially sacrifice… it makes me sad though. I like working with Georgie and Love the space – and think that that IS becoming one of those warm and beautiful communities that will sustain itself for a nice long time.
Le sigh. I can’t always get what I want. I’m glad Teavolve is running strong. I’m taking on some greater responsibilities for that – and I hope that it continues to run strong. Me and the owners (sorry mom, the owners and I) are revamping the music program there at the venue and we’re working with budgets and calendars and all sorts of things in the hopes of putting together something really wonderful (and regular) there. They’ve missed music and they’ve handed over the responsibility to me to bring music BACK to the café…. I’m all too happy to do the deed.
Damn. I’ve got to make new business cards.
