There is, available, a potential venue for our merry band of minstrels. I would be interested in feedback on what you as an audience member, performer or musician would like to see.

I sometimes think that the perception of what happens is quite different from the reality and some folks would rather give it a pass than checking it out for themselves. Sometimes it is just entertaining and sometimes it is brilliant.

We are not the old time fiddlers and we are not the Miles City bluegrass society. We are not a bunch of aging rockers trying to recapture our youth nor are we the ladies parlor music society.

ECLECTIC and all inclusive is what we are about. I am consistently delighted and amazed at the depth and breadth of talent in our community. Singer, song writers abound. Tune smiths and virtuosos amaze and everyday, workman like musicians entertain us with their covers of our favorite songs, old and new. There are crusty old guys like myself and talented young men and women that that I am envious of.

Bring your guitars, banjos, flutes, lutes, spoons, mouth harps, violins or fiddles and join us or just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm and enjoy an evening of music.

I will keep you updated on the when and where.

REALLY?

Banjos?

What not:

Smokey bar; drunks, at least not initially; train tracks within twenty-five feet or a train crossing within a hundred; indoor playground adjacent to stage- kids are fine, but no indoor play ground (sorry McD's);

What:

Musicians playing all types of music, perhaps limit the amount of gospel.

People from all walks of life to play, listen, and converse (politely).

Heat would be good in the winter, though with enough people it's not always necessary. A/C would be nice in the summer or some (quiet) ceiling fans- I've got a couple fans to donate).

Running water is popular, especially with the ladies. It's also helpful to have around for making coffee and for cleaning up.

Lights, both overall and to highlight the stage/performers are a good idea.

A fire extinguisher might be advisable.

Ample electrical capacity for PA equipment, instruments, recording devices, and an electric razor would be nice. Preferably with circuit breakers, not fuses. Conditioned power, while not required does protect some sensitive gear.

A P.A. system with ample room for a few mics AND a recording output. Good quality gear is a must- Joe had a good setup for open mic and I think it worked well every time I was there listening.

I've often thought it would be great to digitally record every night of open mic and make the recording available through a web site as a download. I know there are copyright issues to deal with, but for original pieces it's a no brain-er. I've asked the guys I've brought in about it and they all seem to be positive about it as long as they get a cut if a fee is being charged. I've often preferred the live performances over over sampled/dubbed/mixed/compressed studio recordings/CDs.

Plenty of seating that can be laid out in versatile ways for various functions. Chairs, folding chairs, theater seats, couches, a recliner or two, maybe a barber chair or a dental chair?

Acoustic neutrality. It would be nice if eventually the place would include some sound absorbing/deadening materials on all surfaces, maybe even some surface shaping to make it cleaner and easier to listen.

The bottom line is the people. Miles City Books & News always had good people that were there to enjoy the music and the scene.

I'm not sure about this....


[This message has been edited by Chad (edited 12/9/2008).]

*SWEET*

Can not WAIT!

Another thing that would be nice is a bit of P.R., especially when some one's coming in from out of town. Word of mouth does not always make it around to everyone that's interested. Perhaps an email list or a post on this website. Something like this maybe.....



Hey, one more thing- if it were adjacent to a certain coffee shop, or maybe catered in some certain pastries, maybe some local Mexican food once in awhile..... an occasional barbecue in the summer.....a pot luck before things got going on stage.......a tub of ice for BYOB....

[This message has been edited by Chad (edited 12/9/2008).]

One venue that was graciously offered has been rejected because of smoke. Another that is in the offing, has an adjacent, non-smoking bar, food available, rest rooms and a nice atmosphere.

Stay tuned as more will be revealed.

We generally had not attended much live music because we didn't care for the cost to endure the smoke, drinking environment and loudness. But we were attracted to the open mic music because the environment was different, the people were great and the music varied so much. We found we enjoyed types of music we had not given much thought to before.

We considered it appropriate that we use the donation box in appreciation for the effort put forth to stage the evenings and for the enjoyment we got from the performers.

The financial aspects of having a performance venue can not be ignored. Each of us who have enjoyed and are now missing this type of meeting place need to consider what we can do to address this need.

We are excited that options are being explored and we extend our support to help make it happen.

Art and Margie

Chad, you twit! Nice poster but stop putting it up.

There is NOT, I repeat NOT an open mic on the 13th.

There will be an open mic in, an as yet announced venue, around the first of the year.

Until the Secret Place, on the undetermined street, on the unknown date, at the unknown time.........keep checking here for details.

I heard from a little bird about the venue. It's cool. Atmosphere, character, history, plenty of seats......if it all pans out it will be a nice symbiotic happening place.

What's with all the secrecy?

Secrecy or furtiveness is the practice of sharing information among a group of people, which can be as small as one person, while hiding it from all others. That which is kept hidden is known as the secret. Secrecy is often controversial. Many people claim that, at least in some situations, it is better for everyone if everyone knows all the facts-there should be no secrets.

William Penn wrote, "It is wise not to seek a secret; and honest, not to reveal one.

No secret, really. I am just unwilling to offer details until everything is set. I learned long ago that ones disappointments are in direct relationship to ones expectations.