I just thought I had better put together this page for non Facebook users as a guide to where the open mics are that I'm involved with. It probably should have a better name and will have when we can think of one, but for now oh well....
Cricketers Woodford (with Lisa): Last Thursday of every month
Orford House Social Club (with Steve and Richard): Second Thursday of every month
Queens Head Waltham Abbey: Last Tuesday Of The Month
Except this month when it's Thursday 29th Feb 2024!
HOW THEY WORK
Unless otherwise stated its sign up at 7.30 pm to start at 8pm
Order is by and large order of arrival
Everyone does 3 songs and if there is time at the end we will either go around again or have a short jam.
Backing tracks are OK although we would prefer you ask the musicians at the open mic to accompany you.
Other East London Open Mics
There are other great open mics in the area, these are the ones I go to:
Genius John's Coppermill Open Mic Every Monday 9pm-midnight.
205 Coppermill Lane E17 7HF Walthamstow
Trevor's Old Hall Tavern Open Mic Third Thursday of the month.
200 Hall Ln, London E4 8EY
Gerry & Phil's Travellers Friend Open Mic Second Wednesday of the month.
96-498 High Rd, Woodford, Woodford Green IG8 0PN
Kris Ambrose's Harlow Electro Acoustic Night Every 2 weeks on Wednesday, best check the Herald or Facebook for details.
The Herald, Broadley Rd, Harlow CM19 5RD
Tavern On The Hill Open Mic with Martin. First Thursday of every month. 318 Higham Hill Road, London, United KingdomSee also:
East London Open Mics Group on Facebook
And don't forget:
Open Mic Finder
The Hollybush 140 High Rd, Loughton IG10 4BE
First Thursday Of Every Month
NO OPEN MIC JAN 2023
Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Rd, E17 9QR
With Steve Rushton & Richard
Second Thursday Of Each Month
Next One
The Cricketers 299-301 High Rd Woodford IG8 9HQ
With Lisa
Last Thursday Of Every Month
Next One
The Queens Head, 60 Paternoster Hill, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3LA
Last Tuesday Of Every Month
Next One
For New Performers
Just some random thoughts for new performers.
1. You play 3 songs and if there's time we go around again.
2. You can bring music on paper or a tablet - we have a music stand.
3. Try and tune your guitar before you go on.
4. When singing, sing as close to the mic as reasonably possible, a couple of inches distant maybe.
5. Pick simple songs to start with, the clever stuff can come later!
6. The pitch (key) of the song should be so that the highest note is near the top of your range.
7. Things will go wrong - it doesn't matter at all - the audience will applaud you anyway for giving it a go at live music.
8. I do advise against backing tracks and karaoke at an open mic, but its ok if it gets you going.
9. Most acoustic guitars have battery powered pickups which is ideal. If yours haven't got a pickup we just put a spare microphone up really close.
Mailing List
If you want a memory jogger in your email each time an open mic is coming up, drop your email address here. Thanks!
About me
I go to a fair few open mics in the area and I have got into hosting a couple of them. I have my own website of originals and covers at johndrummond.com