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| Moderated by: Tony Provencher, Richard Hefner | Page: 1 2   |
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| Coffee House faux pas | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Fri Dec 3rd, 2004 01:47 pm |
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1st Post |
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UkeForever Approved 
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Played at a coffee house open mic recently? I have. It's both exhilirating and annoying. Let me start by saying two things about the folks on this site. I'd guess first that most do not commit many or most of the faux-pas that follow. So in a sense, I am preaching to the choir. I am also preaching to the choir in another sense. Most everybody on this site is involved in a genre of music that automatically takes care of the "performance three" as I now call them: 1. Entertain the audience. 2. Do something different. 3. Own the song. OK. We've heard enough Pearl-Jammy-Post-Nirvanna-faux-bluesy sing through the top of your throat two chord songs. Folk singers, I believe, would be a welcome sight at some open mic nights. Also, the lament-songs about girls we didn't get to sleep with because we're too wrapped up in ourselves just doesn't work anymore. This is the modern age. Think of something new. How about the perils of love? Or maybe just stay away from love altogether and write a song about your kitty. Folk music, as a form of (often) ironic song-storytelling is a refreshing change to everyone from 70-year-olds to 17-year-olds. (I've played for both ends of the spectrum.) Real folk like folk music. It's funny and light, and even though nobody is going to get laid from calling the wind Mariah, at least people will enjoy the differenct pace. Here are a couple of Coffee House conduct faux-pas: 1. Don't stay on stage more than 10 minutes TOPS--cut your songs. It's rude to later performers to go long. Don't go for 30 minutes because your "three" songs (if they can be called that) are 10 minutes each. Besides, others are just waiting for you to finish so they can perform. 2. Don't sing as an audience member unless the entire audience is singing or the singer says to. The show isn't about just you, you know. We'll get to hear you when you're on stage. 3. Don't leave right after you perform. It's rude. What if everyone left right before you performed? What if we had a show and nobody came? 4. Turn off cell phones. Ringtones are no longer cute or clever. 5. Finally, don't go outside (at least not within stageshot) and continue your "show". It's likely that people could barely sit through your numbers, let alone hearing a night of it in the background of others' performances. Have I missed anything? Last edited on Fri Dec 3rd, 2004 01:51 pm by UkeForever |
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| Posted: Fri Dec 3rd, 2004 05:51 pm |
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2nd Post |
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1four5 Approved 
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Think of something new. How about the perils of love? Or maybe just stay away from love altogether and write a song about your kitty. I know there's a song about the piano man (Billy Joel wasn't it?)...maybe it's time for someone to write a song about the uke player  Speaking of kitty's...that song was about a 5 minute effort after the little furball attacked my foot. Amazing how one can be totally idealess...and the wham, something gets the though process going. For you songwriters, how do you come up with ideas? Music first, words later...or words first and then put music to them? I've found that when I make a concentrated effort to sit down and write something...I usually get nothing. When I come up with something it's usually a wham and the whole idea pops into my head and I hurry up and find a pen and paper quick. Last edited on Fri Dec 3rd, 2004 06:50 pm by 1four5 ____________________ These are the good times! |
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| Posted: Thu Dec 30th, 2004 05:55 am |
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3rd Post |
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vadorman Approved 
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Smelly Cat, Oh Smelly Cat It's Not Your Fault!!! How's that? Just kidding! (Pheeby Buffet, Friends)
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| Posted: Mon Jan 3rd, 2005 12:52 pm |
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4th Post |
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UkeForever Approved
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A couple of new ones to add to my faux pas list: 6. Do not chew gum while you perform. 7. Tune your instrument beforehand with a tuner; do not ask the crowd if it is in tune (people love to see a train wreck). 8. It's OK to sing about Jesus, but don't preach about it beforehand. There was a performer at the local open mic that committed these dastardly faux pas, so I thought I'd add 'em to the list.
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| Posted: Thu Jun 2nd, 2005 06:37 am |
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5th Post |
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nightbird Approved 
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I have performed in cafe open mikes from time to time, and I've done original songs and covers. It's good to mix them up if you play both, 'cause the covers give them something to sing along to. Hopefully, they'll be singing along to YOUR songs before you're finished. Luckily, this happened to me last time I did one of those... I also performed Dylan's "One More Cup of Coffee"... that always goes over well in a coffeehouse. 
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| Posted: Thu Jun 2nd, 2005 11:39 am |
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6th Post |
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Tim3finger Approved 
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How about 9. Don't apologize because you suck before you play (fishing for compliments). Just getting up there and doing your stuff is enough, besides, somebody may like your music/voice/talent.  Tim
____________________ Tim "Trying to give back a little of what I've been given" |
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| Posted: Fri Jun 3rd, 2005 12:04 am |
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7th Post |
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madog99 Approved 
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"and the number 1" faux pas is ......... don't have a few drinks to calm your nerves before hand!
____________________ http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/328/ |
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| Posted: Fri Jun 3rd, 2005 12:36 am |
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8th Post |
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UkeForever Approved
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I am occasionally guilty of #9, but it's because I really do suck; I figure it's like a fair warning. As far as a few drinks, I've done it both ways (never drunk). For the additional looseness--or let's just say, perceived looseness--I get while playing, I do not like the trips to the bathroom and the forgetting of lyrics. It's obvious when some acts at the coffeehouse are drunk by the time they get on stage, and it's never cool to watch a drunkard go through their material. I would have to believe I was really good to go up drunk. But tonight, I'll be sober, even though the songs only have 3-4 chords in them. It's much easier to play drunk when you're with a group, but I believe the best music is made sober. Writing music, however, is an entirely different issue. I believe that altered consciousnesses have probably been responsible for the best songs out there. I know that there are some professional players that can play fairly well in a state of altered consciousness, and it's sad when they can't tap that talent sober. Last edited on Thu Oct 13th, 2005 05:10 pm by UkeForever |
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| Posted: Fri Jun 3rd, 2005 12:59 am |
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9th Post |
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banjo brad Super Moderator 
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You know, I watched Bob Gibson perform at the "Golden Bear" coffee house in Huntington Beach in 1965. My buddy and I went two consecutive nights and stayed for all three shows each evening. Bob was known to use little white pills and booze, and you could watch his deteriation from set to set. While the atmosphere got freer, the music got sloppier and the words became slurred, Bob just smiled and shrugged it off. Although I really liked the man and his music, I sort of lost a lot of respect for him as a person after that. What you as the performer see as enabling (booze and/or drugs), the audience (unless they are Deadheads, and using the same "enablers"), will only see as a certain disrespect for them. If they are paying to see you perform your music, they are not, usually, willing to pay to see you offer them less than you are capable of. Jams, parties, and gettogethers, where there is no "performance" involved, are where you can try the "alternate state of consciousness" if you want, just don't expect me to applaud your choice.  Uke, I have to disagree about it being easier to play drunk with a group. Record it sometime, then listen to the music - is the rythmn still there? Are the mistakes fewer? Are the words as clear? Are the runs as clean?  Keep on pickin'Brad ps. I have been known to partake, and in no way disapprove of drink (drugs are another story). Last edited on Fri Jun 3rd, 2005 01:03 am by banjo brad ____________________ ezFolk Help Brad Prickly Pear Music Banjo Brad's ezFolk page TOTMC |
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| Posted: Fri Jun 3rd, 2005 03:34 am |
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10th Post |
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1four5 Approved
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Personally, I don't know how you guys get up in front of an audience...man, I've played in church, and my hands went numb and luckily, went into auto pilot. Heck, I turn into all thumbs when my wife walks into the room. As for drugs and alchohol, that's what destroyed my first attempt to learn guitar over 20 years ago. I couldn't fathom either today, from a personal life, or musical point of view. I do find though, that the more people playing, like our shop jams, the less nervous I get...no matter how many people are watching and listening. If I was to try solo, I think I would melt like the witch in wizzard of oz. It's wierd though, because when I record alone, I can let loose with complete abandon. Maybe someday CMac and Tim3Finger will get me to an open mic...I just hope I wouldn't faux pas out
____________________ These are the good times! |
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| Posted: Fri Jun 3rd, 2005 07:12 am |
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11th Post |
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UkeForever Approved
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In no way do I think it's OK to perform under the influence. Also, I've written most--well, all--of my music stone sober. It just doesn't sound cool to say that. I agree with what BBrad says about people not paying to see a drunk performer. You pay good money, you want a good show. As for drugs, well, I don't see the moral difference between marijuana and booze, although I suppose one is illegal. I don't use any illegal drugs (because I have this funny idea that teachers shouldn't engage in illegal activity). And, honestly, music is quite a high. I don't really want to lose that. Also, if I were to record my buddies and I playing, it wouldn't matter if we were drinking. But there are bands out there who can pull it off--and it is easier to mask it when there is a group. That was really my point. It's funny that this came up on an open mic night--I noticed that quite a few performers slip away for drinks. Those performers don't generally connect with the crowd as easily. They play long songs and the audience tries to clap them off (like they did with one performer) in the middle of a 12-verse song. The show becomes even more self-serving for the drinkers than it already is. One performer next to me felt he had to compare his playing to a 12-year old kid who got the nerve to go up and play. What a schluck. This was the same guy who played for an hour and a half straight while waiting in line--as if everyone wanted to hear him play. People had to leave to tune their axes. What an ass. I wanted to say something--like "shut the hell up"--but I didn't think he would get the point. Rule #10. Don't freakin' practice for an hour and a half before the open mic sending everyone out of the room who wants to tune and doesn't want to hear the din. Nobody wants to hear it. We want peace. It was a long day. Let's enjoy no sound for awhile. I more or less "practice" nonstop. If I don't know it by open mic time, I don't know it. Another hour when I'm already nervous ain't gonna help. I am also finding standard tuning increasingly boring. Why should pop/folk musicians use a standard tuning when the harmonies seem more appropriate for classical music? Modern geared tuners are made to play with. Steel strings adjust quickly. Last edited on Fri Jun 3rd, 2005 07:16 am by UkeForever |
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| Posted: Fri Jun 3rd, 2005 11:27 am |
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12th Post |
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1four5 Approved
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From a listeners point of view, how about singing faux pas. I love UF's singing, crisp, clear, well rehearsed and well mixed. It's tough for me to enjoy a song-story if I have to concentrate hard on catching the lyrics because of pronounciation/volume/mix/ issues. I am amazed at how a song can be a big hit on the radio...and I still don't have a clue what they are singing about.
____________________ These are the good times! |
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| Posted: Fri Jun 3rd, 2005 04:38 pm |
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13th Post |
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Philj200 Approved 
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This is my first post on this chat room. Not sure if anyone is still reading this thread either. I was a 1960's Greenwich Village folky...Washington Square, basket houses, all night hoots, Newport, Philly...then life happened. I never stopped playing but the circle, so to speak, was broken. About two months ago, a guy I work with (I'm in my early 60's, he's mid-50's) mentioned an open mike less than a mile from my house and that he was going to sing. He wanted me to back him up. I did. What fun! I never realized how much I missed live music atmosphere. People ranged from serious and ardent musicians of every flavor to people obviosly out on day passes from state hospitals. But the owner of the place has a good rule: Everyone applauds. Everyone is polite and when you're not on stage, you are expected to shut up and listen. Last edited on Mon Jun 6th, 2005 07:46 pm by Philj200 ____________________ My MP3 Section: http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/1143/ My Myspace area: http://myspace.com/philj200 |
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| Posted: Sat Jun 4th, 2005 01:31 am |
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14th Post |
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madog99 Approved
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If I was to try solo, I think I would melt like the witch in wizzard of oz LOL ! I hear ya , I arrived to do my little bit for a charity thing thinking nobody would be there , 3 songs . turns out it's packed , maybe 300 hundred , standing room only . And I find out the house band , who I know want to play with me . So out went the set that I thought I would play, bad bad bad , could not get off fast enough. One of the other few times , same thing , got to the bar to do my little solo 3 song to a crowd of 15 and it was packed again . Good guys playing with the band etc etc and my turn was pushed back and back and back . mind you this was a bar and I was nervous as hell so .......... guess the rest . It was terrible but at the time I thought I was doing great! Good thing was the GF at the time video taped it and I learned a hard lesson. Playing with another person or persons is a lot easier as you can hide a bit , but unless your jamming stick with 1 beer . I admire those that can do it in the bag but I can't .
____________________ http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/328/ |
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| Posted: Sat Jun 4th, 2005 02:23 am |
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15th Post |
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banjo brad Super Moderator
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1Four5 wrote:Personally, I don't know how you guys get up in front of an audience...man, I've played in church, and my hands went numb and luckily, went into auto pilot. Heck, I turn into all thumbs when my wife walks into the room. The more you do it, the easier it gets. My first playing was at university in the common room, with a couple of friends. All I could do was try to strum some chords, softly, behind them. (And I had taken Public Speaking 1 & 2 in JC!) Then, my roommate and I did a gig at a Pizza Parlor one night - wound up trying to play Happy Birthday (Had never even tried it before, either of us). Got a pizza, pitcher of beer and $5 each for 2 hours of nobody paying any attention to us (Does that make me a professional musician?). My first "performance" was a base talent show in the Air Force. I had planned to do "A Lesson Too Late For The Learning" with a buddy, but he wound up in the hospital the day before the show (he had the voice). I had to substitute "It Ain't Me, Babe", and got booed for the entire song! (I was so nervous, I could hardly move my fingers to make the chords, let alone sing on key!) But, I finished. Years later I took a class in Classical Guitar, and became much more comfortable playing in front of people - it helped that everybody was expected to play every week in class. The singing part is just beginning to come thanks to recording things to put on the site here. When you can get comfortable in front of the recorder, you have made a big step up. Then sing more for your wife and family, play in groups, take breaks, do occassional leads. "All things come to those who work at them!" And, most of all, Keep on pickin'Brad
____________________ ezFolk Help Brad Prickly Pear Music Banjo Brad's ezFolk page TOTMC |
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| Posted: Mon Jun 6th, 2005 09:03 pm |
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16th Post |
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DrGalacticFloss Approved 
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But the owner of the place has a good rule: Everyone applauds. Everyone is polite and when you're not on stage, you are expected to shut up and listen. Man that place sounds like a real treat to play at. I wish more venues like this exisisted. It sounds like the owner has a really good appreciation for musicians, and all they go through while playing in those other joints.
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| Posted: Tue Jun 7th, 2005 03:01 pm |
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17th Post |
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Philj200 Approved
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That policy is civil but has a down side. Some of the people really are not ready to perform in public (how's that for being polite). Then there are the ego cases who wail the bejasus out of their out of tune instruments for long song mumbles that no one can fathom. Or the poets who tell of their crisis and angst until the feeling that a tape of their rants would make a good defense in the trial for shooting them. Yet everyone applauds (even me). But I hope they can tell the difference between manners and appreciation. Drop by the Sea Cliff Coffee Company on Main Street, Tuesday night, 7-10 PM.in Sea Cliff, Nassau County, Long Island.
____________________ My MP3 Section: http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/1143/ My Myspace area: http://myspace.com/philj200 |
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| Posted: Tue Jun 7th, 2005 07:54 pm |
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18th Post |
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DrGalacticFloss Approved
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yeah maybe that format would be better served in a classroom setting
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| Posted: Tue Jun 7th, 2005 08:09 pm |
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19th Post |
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Philj200 Approved
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I've heard of open mikes in Manhattan where quality music is welcomed with cheers. But if the crowd picks up on attitude or thinks the music (musician) isn't worth listening too, they smell blood and heckle the person off the stage. Of course that challenges the reason for going to an open mike in the first place. Do they expect everyone to be incredible? Added later... Last night at the local open mike must have been early Halloween! Several singer/songwriters from a local collective demonstrated their egos. Of the six or seven, one could play his guitar. One women accompanied herself on a dulcimer, pity she could bearly play this gentle instrument. She did William's Jumbalaya in a creaky voice. A poor selection. Almost as if Richard Dyer Bennent covered 50ยข. A blugrass mandolin picker was okay. My partner and I were okay (we were asked to do an encore!) A guy came up and did a Blind Joe Death solo, excellent. A retired NYFD fireman read his poems. Outstanding. Then this little old man signs in. A few minutes later he mossies to the stage with a younger man and both were carrying bag pipes. Large Highland pipes. They were fine musicians, but those suckers are loud! My ears are still ringing. Last edited on Wed Jun 8th, 2005 04:31 pm by Philj200 ____________________ My MP3 Section: http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/1143/ My Myspace area: http://myspace.com/philj200 |
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| Posted: Thu Feb 9th, 2006 02:24 am |
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20th Post |
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Philj200 Approved
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Thanks UkeForever... I've made a copy this time.
____________________ My MP3 Section: http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/1143/ My Myspace area: http://myspace.com/philj200 |
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