Digg it
Del.icio.us
Facebook
TechnoratiVocal virgins can test talents in Kensington
Jared Siemens, Weal Writer
Whether you’re a musician or a music lover, a sound garden of sprouting talent awaits you just down the hill from SAIT.
Are you a vocal virgin?
Take your talent outside the shower and test your skills at one of the great weekly open mike nights. The atmosphere at The House Coffee Sanctuary and Oolong Tea House are the perfect place for your awkward first time.
Catch a train to Sunnyside Station and make your way to Oolong Tea House, located at 110 10 St. N.W., where you’ll find local artists playing their favourite tunes on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m.
Show up and add your name to the list posted on the wall, says Anna-Lee Rieb, a barista at Oolong.
“Tuesday Song at Oolong allows people to practice in front of a live audience,” says Rieb. “It’s a lot more casual than playing at a bar.”
Musicians are given time for three songs, unless it’s a slow night, says Rieb.
Though she doesn’t write music, Rieb says she plays the guitar and has played before at Oolong. “Come early,” Rieb says . “Make sure to have a tea and relax first.”
If you prefer coffee over tea, take your talent to The House Coffee Sanctuary at 126, 10 St. NW (just up the street from Oolong Tea House) on Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m.
There aren’t any rules to govern who plays or who doesn’t, says Derrick Mitchell, the director of community at The House Coffee Sanctuary. Just keep the content clean, and don’t show up drunk or stoned, says Mitchell. “We’re a coffee shop, not a bar.”
The sign-up list is put out at 7:10 p.m., with performances starting at 7:30 p.m.
“One of the greatest things about Open Mike is watching acts and performers grow as musicians,” says Mitchell. “We’ve had poets, rappers, comedians, beat boxers, a lot of keyboard players and even an accordionist.”
So what advice does Mitchell have for those wanting to get their feet wet?
“Play and be bold,” says Mitchell. “The House community is very forgiving.”
Open Mike Dos and Mights.
When you sign your name on that sheet of paper at your favourite coffee or tea house, there are a few simple things to take into consideration. These three easy steps from an open mic vet will calm your newbie nerves.
1) The most important thing to remember when singing in front of caffeine-loving patrons is, they most likely aren’t there to see you. Use this to your advantage. Everyone’s first show is something they’d rather forget. These people will forget you.
2) Practice endlessly before you take the stage. You’re the best singer your living room has ever heard. But the second you have strangers sitting in front of you, nervousness can easily take over. Avoid this by knowing your songs on auto-pilot.
3) Have a good time. You’re likely only going to be allotted 10 to 15 minutes to play, so have fun with it. If you aren’t having fun, neither will anyone else in the room.
– by Tyler Ostermayer