Open Mic - Second Wednesdays of Every Month
We love local music, to listen to it and to discover it. On the 2nd wednesday of every month we open the stage and sound system of SpringGate InTheVillage to our community of local musicians. Hosted by John Kelly, it is a unique opportunity for all of us to experience new and rising local talent, with local food, wine, beer, and cider.
For musicians that are interested, the system in place is described here.
For musicians that are interested, the system in place is described here.
FAQ's From the Host - John Kelly
Spring Gate in the Village Open Mic is held on the second (2nd) Wednesday of each month.
- The open mic host usually arrives between 5:30 and 5:45, 6:00 at the latest. The signup sheet is available then, and live music begins around 6:30.
- The host usually does a song or two to start off the night, then opens it up to the performers on the list on a first-come, first-served basis. We've been having a great response lately with lots of performers, but we try to get everyone a set between 15 and 20 minutes.
- We'd suggest that acts have their four or five best tunes ready, and depending on their length we'll get in as many as possible. We try to wrap up around 9:30, as that's when the crowd begins to thin out. The latest we usually go is 10:00, but we can go a little later if it's appropriate.
- The venue has a very good in-house PA system with a snake on stage, and the venue has some decent vocal mics and stands. Passive DI boxes are available. There is one powered monitor in front of the stage. Percussion instruments such as cajon, congas or hand percussion are usually not mic'd. Due to time and space constraints, trap kits and full electric guitar rigs are discouraged. If players need to use any equipment beyond standard acoustic guitar with a pickup and vocals, such as pedalboards, keyboards, amplifiers, mic'd instruments, etc., please keep in mind that extended setup time takes time from other performers.
- To be considerate of your fellow musicians, try to streamline your setup as much as possible, and be prepared to take the stage as soon as the player before you is finished. There is plenty of room near the beer bar to pre-stage your gear, tune up and get ready to perform.
- The role of the host at Open Mic is to sign up performers and collect their contact information in case the venue wants to talk to them about dates.
- The host handles the PA system, introduces acts and assists players in taking and leaving the stage. The host is not directly employed by the venue and has no ability to book bands or schedule dates for bands. That is handled by the Spring Gate personnel. Someone with that decision-making authority will always be present at the open mic nights.
- If you have any friends you can bring along to add to the audience, that would be great. We're trying to encourage non-performers and the general public, as well as musicians, to attend the Open Mic. The variety of styles of music and the high quality of musicianship make each night a unique and enjoyable musical experience.