The Last Post

Hi everybody,

As of today (Monday May 18th, 2009) I’m going to stop posting information on this blog and put all future Open Mic information on the Open Mic Network website.

The reason for this is simple, my involvement in managing, promoting and marketing the Open Mic @ The Dan has grown into something much, much more than just running a weekly Wednesday night gig at the Daniel O’Connell Hotel.

It’s become a whole new way of approaching the business of music for me and besides, now that the Open Mic @ The Joiners is underway, having one website to deal with everything seems a very logical step for me to take.

You can now get all of the Open Mic information you’ll ever need on the Open Mic Network website. I’ll see you there,

Corey

The Open Mic Network
Open Mic Network – Facebook
Open Mic Network – MySpace

Tonight’s The Night – The Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms

“Tonight’s the night, it’s gonna be alright” – Rod Stewart

It’s 2:30pm in the afternoon and I’ve done all I can with the promotion of this new Open Mic so now it’s time to let go of any expectation and leave it all up to the universe.

I’m nervous but excited at the same time but I know that this new Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms is a natural extension of the initial phenomenon that is the Open Mic @ The Dan.

I knew that the Open Mic @ The Dan had become too busy at times when performers were starting to panic about getting to the venue in time to put their names down rather than concentrate their creative energies on putting on a great set of three songs. It’s my hope that this new Open Mic will remedy this fact somewhat.

This Open Mic community that Darren Zaza and myself created just over two and a half years ago has now grown to a size in which (I firmly believe) two Open Mics can be run in one week. My goal is to eventually have three going but I’m happy to wait for that one.

I’ve always been a huge believer in the “organic growth” of an idea.

Initially the Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms is being run for a 12 week trial period but, if the popularity of the Open Mic @ The Dan is to go by, I can see this new Open Mic becoming a much needed permanent fixture in the Adelaide music scene.

Tonight is going to be huge, spread the word and I hope to see you there,

Corey

The Open Mic Network – Facebook
The Open Mic Network – MySpace

Open Mic @ The Dan Update – May 11th, 2009

Hi everybody,

I need to make this weeks update short and sweet as there are so many things I’ve yet to do in preparation for the Grand Launch of the new Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms this Thursday night, May 14th.

My gut feeling is that this Thursday’s launch is going to be HUGE!

Spread the word if you can.

Now, back to last weeks Open Mic @ The Dan. It certainly was full of surprises:

• The first 15 spots were filled by 6:40pm. Talk about the quick or the dead.
• Paul Warren played his first solo performance. Good onya Paul
• The “Messiah Of Desire” Brett Stokes returned to the Open Mic stage. Welcome back mate.
• Newcomers Deb Tapfield and Jordan gave us a mesmerising performance. Just stunning.
• Risemann (Nathan Hein and his band) played as a duo. Very cool.

But wait, there’s more…

• David Cronin performing for the first time in ages
• Brendan Lines and his Didge
• Lindsay Boyd. It just gets better and better
• Anthony D’Antonio and his music history lessons
• Mel Sander & Ross Neilson playing some Cheap Trick. Love it!

I must say, the whole night for me was one big highlight. I love coming to Open Mic, I look forward to it and to see and hear so many others feeling the same way about it makes me feel really warm and fuzzy inside.

Awww…

Anyways, here is a reminder of what’s happening this week:

Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday May 13th, 2009
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
7:30pm – Midnight

…and the night after, THE BIG ONE! (insert drumroll here)

Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms
***The Grand Launch***
Thursday May 14th, 2009
Joiners Arms Hotel
9 Manton Street, Hindmarsh
8pm – Late

As always, make sure you get to The Dan early to avoid disappointment. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names (if you’re going to the Joiners Arms I’ll also be there from 6:30pm to take down names).

Hope to see you this Wensdee (and Thursdee)

Corey
The Open Mic Network

MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Open Mic @ The Dan Update – May 4th, 2009

Hi everybody,

Last week was a great example of how an Open Mic should be run.

Everyone did their bit to make sure that the night was seamless, there were no uncomfortable gaps in the program which meant that from 7:30pm until closing the Open Mic @ The Dan was awash with amazing talent providing non-stop entertainment for all to see.

We had a full list of 18 including 2 new faces Helen Laub and her friend Sorcha who initially found out about the Open Mic @ The Dan online. They both provided fantastic performances and I hope they come back again soon.

In other Open Mic news…

It’s not long now until the launch of the new Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms starting Thursday May 14th for a 12 week trial period.

From the feedback I’ve been getting, a lot of people are really looking forward to checking it out and it’s my hope that the 12 week trial is a success  and that the Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms becomes a permanent fixture on the Open Mic circuit.

I hinted in last weeks update that the Open Mic @ The Dan website will be taken over by the new Open Mic Network website after the Joiners Arms launch so in preparation for this event I have a favour to ask of you.

I’m updating the Open Mic Network mailing list and therefore I need all present subscribers to re-subscribe to the new list. This can now be done online, all you need to do go to the new Open Mic Network website and:

• Enter your email address in the “Open Mic Network Mailing List” box in the right sidebar
• Check your inbox (a confirmation email will be sent to you)
• Confirm your subscription by clicking on the link provided

Once your email address is confirmed you’ll receive another one congratulating you on becoming a new Open Mic Network subscriber. Well done

(NB: I will be running both the old and the new mailing lists at the same time until everyone who wants to be on the new list has migrated over so there maybe some teething problems while the transition is taking place)

I’m also putting out the call to anybody who has any pictures or both audio and video recordings of the Open Mic @ The Dan in action. I’d love to put it up on the new site so if you have anything that you want to share online please let me know.

Just a reminder of what is happening this week (note the new start time):

Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday April 29th, 2009
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
7:30pm – Midnight

…and what about this new Open Mic starting in 10 DAYS TIME?

Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms
***The Grand Launch***
Thursday May 14th, 2009
Joiners Arms Hotel
9 Manton Street, Hindmarsh
8pm – Midnight

As always, make sure you get to The Dan early to avoid disappointment. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.

Hope to see you this Wensdee,

Corey
The Open Mic Network

MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Open Mic @ The Dan Update – April 26th, 2009

Hi everybody,

Last weeks Open Mic was the first to start at 7:30pm and it seemed the experiment worked a treat.

When I arrived at The Dan at 6:30pm I was amazed to find a line up of performers wanting to personally book their spot on the running sheet.

By 7:10pm all 18 performer spots had been filled. It was then I realized just how popular the Open Mic @ The Dan has become. WOW!

Last weeks Open Mic also marked the debut performance of Shane Naylor who amazed us with his performance. It was just him, his acoustic guitar and a loop station but he made it sound like there was a whole band on stage.

I know you’ve heard me say it many times but I’m constantly amazed by the depth of talent in this town. Shane was simply, mesmerizing. I hope he comes back again.

A big welcome back is in order for Alex Frost (who, after a week off due to sickness, was in very fine voice)  and Paul Bulian who marked his return to the Open Mic stage with a huge performance.

In other Open Mic related news…

A big THANK YOU to all Open Mic’ers who turned up to the first SCALA Songwriting Workshop for 2009.

David Robinson and I were initially hoping for about 10 songwriters to attend however, we doubled that figure which proves to me that the craft of songwriting is alive and well in this town. Fantastic!

The next SCALA Songwriting Workshop is planned for the 3rd Tuesday of next month on May 19th. I’ll give out more details when they come to light.

Ok, here is a reminder of what’s happening this week plus other stuff (note the new starting time):

Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday April 29th, 2009
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
7:30pm – Midnight

…and what about this new Open Mic starting in 3 WEEKS?

Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms
***The Grand Launch***
Thursday May 14th, 2009
Joiners Arms Hotel
9 Manton Street, Hindmarsh
8pm – Midnight

As always, make sure you get to The Dan early to avoid disappointment. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.

Hope to see you this Wensdee,

Corey
The Open Mic Network

MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Open Mic @ The Dan Update – April 20th, 2009

News Flash!! ***New starting time – 7:30pm***

Hi everybody,

Welcome to all new subscribers to the Open Mic Network mailing list.

After the chaos and confusion of a fortnight ago it was fantastic to see that last weeks Open Mic was a very smooth running affair.

The running sheet was again full by 6:45pm and we started at 7:30pm due to high demand. We had 20 performer slots filled by 25 performers, it was a full on night but one full of amazing performances and a special event.

First of all, nestled within the list of performers were 4 new faces. A big welcome goes out to Mary Webb, Nicole & Rebecca and Paul Warren for gracing the Open Mic stage for the first time.

May you come back soon, the door is always open to you

Secondly, last Wednesday was Mel Sander’s birthday and the Open Mic @ The Dan was the venue for her party. From where I was sitting it looked like she was having a wonderful time. I hope you had a great night Mel, Happy Birthday!

Some other highlights to mention:

• The return of Garth Dutton as first cab off the rank. Welcome back mate!
  
• Mary Webb and her amazing voice
• Jade Ambroze showcasing two new songs
• The Warren family singers

A special mention goes out to Alex Frost who missed the Open Mic last week due to sickness. A big GET WELL SOON goes out to you from all of us, you were missed terribly.

In other Open Mic news…

1. As of this Wednesday, the Open Mic @ The Dan will start at 7:30pm. I’ve just got off the phone with Greg at The Dan about this. Make sure you spread the word ok

2. Coming up this Tuesday night (April 21st) at the Joiners Arms Hotel (yes, that place where the new Open Mic will start up in 4 weeks time) is the start of the SCALA “Join Us” Songwriting Workshops for 2009.

I mention this because, being a SCALA (short for Songwriters, Composers & Lyricists Association) member since 1992 I believe that these workshops will help all songwriters of any level refine their songwriting process and network with like minds at the same time.

It’s just like an Open Mic for songwriters and I’ll be showcasing one of my songs “Mountain Top” for discussion and feedback. Hope to see you there.

3. I’ve almost completed the finishing touches to the new Open Mic Network website. I found some videos on YouTube of Open Mic @ The Dan performances from Andy & Marta, Matt Clearing and Rowey G to put up on the site.

My plan is to phase out the Open Mic @ The Dan website and use the Open Mic Network site instead. Feel free to have a look around, let me know what you think.

Ok, here is a reminder of what’s happening this week plus other stuff:

Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday April 22nd, 2009
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
7:30pm – Midnight
(New Start Time)

…and what about this new Open Mic starting in 4 WEEKS?

Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms
***The Grand Launch***
Thursday May 14th, 2009
Joiners Arms Hotel
9 Manton Street, Hindmarsh
8pm – Midnight

Plus…

“Join Us” Songwriting Workshops
(Proudly Presented By SCALA)
Tuesday April 21st, 2009
Joiners Arms Hotel
7:30pm Start
Featuring: Corey Stewart & David Cronin

As always, make sure you get to The Dan early to avoid disappointment. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.

Hope to see you this Wensdee,

Corey
The Open Mic Network

MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Open Mic @ The Dan Update – April 13th, 2009

Hi everybody,

Last weeks Open Mic was bigger and better than even the record breaking extravaganza a fortnight ago.

The running sheet was full by between 6:45pm and 6:50pm and The Dan was the busiest I’ve seen it in a long time on any night (not including any pub crawls that come through from time to time).

For me however, the night was a tad stressful mainly because I got caught out a little bit with the rush.

From the very beginning I’ve maintained a fairly strict “no pre-booking” policy to the Open Mic @ The Dan. I did this because of my own experiences at other Open Mics where I’d rock up wanting to play only to be turned away because the list was already booked up a week in advance.

This didn’t seem very fair.

From time to time I’ve taken pre-bookings either by phone or by MySpace/Facebook messages only in special circumstances (interstate performers looking for an extra gig) and the amount of times this has happened can be counted on one hand.

Hey, give me a break, I’m a human being. I have been known to have a soft spot from time to time

However what I have been noticing lately is that performers have been showing up, putting their names down plus, they try to put down a friend or two because they’re “on their way”.

Now I’ve let this happen from time to time because I knew there was enough room for everybody, but in the middle of last weeks chaos it bit me on the ass big time and in the process I let a few people down.

My sincerest apologies to anyone who was inconvenienced last week and my sincerest thanks goes to all performers for their patience and understanding in an extraordinary situation.

To ensure that it doesn’t happen again I’m going to have to tighten up the performer enrollment process.

From now on I’m only going to be taking down names of people who enroll in person at The Dan (and at The Joiners when that starts up on May 14th – counting down the days). I’m not going to put down the names of anybody else in their absence, even if they might be “on their way”.

I know this may sound a bit harsh but I want to make it fair on the performers that do rock up early to have a meal and a chat beforehand.

I’m also going to limit the running sheet to 16 performers plus a waiting list of 2 extras just in case there’s a cancellation or two (it has been known to happen from time to time). Once the list is full, that’s it.

If, on the off chance, we are running a little ahead of time we may be able to squeeze in some more performers but there are no guarantees with this, it depends on what happens on the night and as you’re well aware, every Open Mic night is different

I’m still haven’t found out from Greg and Paula at The Dan if we can start the Open Mic at 7:30pm instead of 8pm as yet because of Easter getting in the way but it’s my intention to get a confirmation from them this week.

Until I get confirmation of an earlier start time I’m going to be playing it a little bit by ear this week.

As the MC my primary job is to make sure that everyone who puts their name down on the list will get a go.

I really don’t want to decrease the amount of songs per performer from 3 to 2 just to get more people on the list as it just wouldn’t be worth getting up on stage for so it’s my hope that these new measures will enable the Open Mic @ The Dan to continue it’s reputation for being the fair and equitable event that it is.

Now what actually happened last week I hear you say…

Well first of all, Alex Frost celebrated her birthday (well, it was on the Monday but any excuse for a celebration will do) and considering the full list and The Dan’s front bar being near capacity it was a wonderful night. Some highlights included

• The welcome return of the Marta and Andy show
• Simon Peter Band
• Bryan Foley getting down and dirty on an electric guitar (ooh err)
• Martin Mount and his ukelele
• Zac & Lucy

Ok I’ve taken up enough of your time now. Let me just say that I’m so looking forward to another exciting installment of the Open Mic @ The Dan. Here is a reminder of what’s happening this week for you all:

Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday April 15th, 2009
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight

Plus, a reminder of the new Open Mic starting up in 5 WEEKS time:

Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms
***The Grand Launch***
Thursday May 14th, 2009
Joiners Arms Hotel
9 Manton Street, Hindmarsh
8pm – Midnight

Remember to get in early to avoid disappointment. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.

See you this Wensdee,

Corey
The Open Mic Network

Open Mic @ The Dan MySpace Page
Open Mic @ The Dan Facebook Page

Open Mic @ The Dan Update – April 6th, 2009

Hi everybody,

I hope the end of daylight savings wasn’t too confusing for you. I always seem to get the clock thing mixed up no matter how many times I try to remember it.

Anyway, last weeks Open Mic @ The Dan broke some kind of record for the shortest amount of time taken to fill a running sheet. The running sheet was full by 7pm, can you believe it.

It’s getting to the stage now where I’m thinking of maybe starting the Open Mic at 7:30pm rather than 8pm to ensure that the influx of quality performers can be accommodated.

Of course I’ll need to see what The Dan’s management have to say about it as well as Darren and Peter however, if all parties agree I’m willing to give it a go.

What do you think?

Even though we had the Australia vs Uzbekistan World Cup qualifier on the TV we still had 20 performers down on the list though sadly some performers had to miss out and a couple of those were new faces.

Even so, I want to personally welcome Bridget Hodder, Mary Webb and Oliver Scholey into the Open Mic community.

It’s my hope that you guys come again, the door is always open

Last weeks record breaking Open Mic @ The Dan also marked the last performance of long time Open Mic’er Brad Coleman before he (begrudgingly) goes back to the USA. I will miss his little red loop machine and I wish Brad all the very best.

On a happier note last week heralded the return of master percussionist Costa to the Open Mic stage much to the delight of performers and audience alike. Welcome back mate.

Just a couple of other things while I have your attention

First of all, I’m always on the look out for pictures, audio or video footage of the Open Mic @ the Dan in action. If you have any of these and you don’t mind sharing it around I would love to put it on the website.

Of course I’ll give credit where credit is due and if you have a website then a bit of link-love will come your way as well. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Secondly, let me ask you a question: “How has the Open Mic @ The Dan helped you musically?”

If you have an answer go to the discussion forum on the Open Mic @ The Dan Facebook Page and put it down in writing. I’m wanting to start a testimonials page on the website and I’d really love to know how it’s helped you.

Here is a reminder of next weeks Open Mic @ The Dan for you:

Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday April 8th, 2009
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight

… and a reminder about the launch of a new Open Mic in town in 6 weeks:

Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms
***The Launch***
Thursday May 14th, 2009
Joiners Arms Hotel
9 Manton Street, Hindmarsh
8pm – Late

As we are now breaking records I can’t stress enough how important it is to get in early to avoid disappointment. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.

Until then, see you this Wensdee

Corey

The Open Mic Network
Open Mic @ The Dan Facebook
Open Mic @ The Dan MySpace

Open Mic @ The Dan Update – March 30th, 2009

Hi everybody,

Last weeks Open Mic did not disappoint one little bit. It was again a great example of what happens when a great pub and a great concept comes together with a great crowd and great performances.

We had 17 performers on the list including one new face by the name of Richard Semmens who gave us a blistering display of electric guitar-smithery that amazed and astounded all present.

Richards guitar playing also helped out sound guru Darren in a big way as he was trying out a new Vox amp at the time. His guitar sound made Darren’s decision to possibly by the said amplifier a whole lot easier.

Darren sends his thanks

Last week also marked the welcome return from the aural wilderness of one of my favourite singer/songwriter/guitarists, John Parrish.

John was one of the first performers to grace the Open Mic @ The Dan in its infancy. Last week he was first cab off the rank showcasing two of his songs and even though he’d been away for a couple of years, he hadn’t lost any of his touch.

Fantastic vocals and guitar work.

Another highlight from last week was the birthday of Open Mic regular Sean Tyner. He’s been growing from strength to strength in his confidence, performance style and songwriting. His development, his passion and willingness to learn epitomises the Open Mic concept.

It was awesome to have the whole pub sing Happy Birthday to him andtom make sure he was well taken care of in the drinks department. Happy Birthday Sean, I hope you had a great night

Other highlights included:

• Ute and her lovely accordian from Heaven
• Lindsay Boyd telling us all to “Mind Our Own Business”
• Brendan Lines playing 3 instruments at once (Wow!)
• Robert Pickering’s “The Algae Song” with Alex Frost on vocals

Lastly I want to thank Alex for inspiring me to dust off “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel and for helping me perform it. It’s such a hard song to try and do acoustically and I’m glad that it went off without a hitch.

Trish Spargo, I’m learning “Tiny Dancer” for you as fast as I can

In other Open Mic news...

The feedback I’ve been recieving about the new Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms (which is starting in a few weeks) has been very positive and, at the same time very, very uplifting for me. It’s great to know that so many people are embracing another Open Mic into the fold and are wanting to come along and check it out.

I know a few musicians who, for whatever reason, find it difficult to come along to the Open Mic @ The Dan on a Wednesday night so they were the ones who were the most positive about an Open Mic on a Thursday night.

Personally, I’m really excited about this new venture because it will bring new performers into the community which will in turn, give everyone more social, collaborating and networking opportunites. Make sure that you put in your diary that the Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms (JA) starts on Thursday, May 14th from 8pm until late.

Here is a reminder of this weeks Open Mic @ The Dan for you all:

Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday April 1st, 2009 (You’re Joking!!)
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight

…and a reminder about the new Open Mic in town starting in 7 weeks:

Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms
***The Launch***
Thursday May 14th, 2009
Joiners Arms Hotel
9 Manton Street, Hindmarsh
8pm – Late

Remember to get in early to avaoid disappointment. I’ll be at The Dan from 6:30pm to take down names.

See you this Wensdee,

Corey
The Open Mic Network

Open Mic MySpace Page
Open Mic Facebook Page

Open Mic @ The Dan Update – 23rd March, 2009

Hi everybody,

Even with the Adelaide Fringe in full swing the Open Mic @ The Dan was jam-packed with performers and punters alike. Out of the 19 performers booked, we had 4 new faces grace the Open Mic stage last week, they were:

• Tom Phillips – Well crafted pop songs that you swear you’ve heard on the radio
• Michael – Accompanied Rowey G on stage. Did a lovely version of “So Beautiful”. Great voice!
• Chooka – A country artist passing through from Victoria who played both kinds of music very well
• Mary – Mesmerised the audience with her classical/spanish guitar influenced songs

Thank you for giving the Open Mic @ The Dan a go, the door is always open

Last weeks Open Mic was also an opportunity to welcome back some old friends, namely Lindsay Boyd who is back in Adelaide for a while and Shaun Coglin who again showed us what happens when you blend talent and passion through an acoustic guitar.

For me, there were a lot of highlights. Some of these included:

• Steve Sheehy and Courtney Robb premiering new songs
• Eddie Crismani jamming with my Taylor acoustic guitar (sounds great)
• Matt and Nikita’s guitar/melodica hi-jinx
• Jade Ambrose and her poetic songs of social justice
• The Sasha, Kenny and Ray show (what a blast)

What else would you be wanting to do on a Wednesday night?

Ok, for some more Open Mic related news…

Over the past few weeks I have been hinting about a possible expansion of the Open Mic concept. The feedback I’ve been getting from you guys has been very encouraging, so much so in fact that Darren and I are officially starting up another Open Mic.

That’s right… From Thursday, May 14th we’re starting the Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms. The Joiners Arms Hotel is located at 9 Manton Street in Hindmarsh.

It’s nestled in behind the Entertainment Centre and across the road from Hindmarsh Stadium.

At this stage it will be running for a 12 week trial to see how it goes however, if all goes well, it will become a permanent part of the Open Mic community.

I’m very excited about this new venture, it will be the same formula but on a differnet night and venue but let me just say that this doesn’t replace the Open Mic @ The Dan, it just enhances it.

In other (webby) news…

I’ve just recently jumped onto the Twitter bandwagon which will give me another way to communicate more directly with the Open Mic community. If you are part of twitter then find me at http://twitter.com/coreystewart and follow me.

The Open Mic web presence is playing its part in spreading the word. We are just shy of 700 friends on the MySpace page and 35 fans on the Facebook page. If you’re a member of MySpace and/or Facebook and you’ve not yet friended or fanned us as yet then please consider… You know you want to

Here is a reminder of this weeks Open Mic @ The Dan:

Open Mic @ The Dan
Wednesday March 25th, 2009
Daniel O’Connell Hotel
165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
8pm – Midnight

And just in case you’ve forgotton, we are launching a new Open Mic in a few weeks so put this into your diary…

Open Mic @ The Joiners Arms
The Launch
Thursday May 14th, 2009
Joiners Arms Hotel
9 Manton Street, Hindmarsh
8pm Start

Remember to get in early to avoid disappointment. I’ll be there from 6:30pm to take down names.

See you this Wensdee,

Corey
The Open Mic Network

Open Mic @ The Dan – Facebook
Open Mic @ The Dan – MySpace