03/06/2025
Well the best problem for an open mic host to have is when the popularity of your open mic starts to exceed the amount of time you have each night. Below you'll find a few minor changes and guidelines that we will be putting in place to make things as fair and inclusive as possible for all open mic attendees, long-time regulars and new performers alike!
Your hosts opening set will now begin at 6:30 and be kept to a 3 song maximum.
The sign-up sheet will still go up at 6PM (The list will likely be full a few minutes after going up so it's best to get there early)
There will now be 11 total performance spots. This will be a hard number and if you are not able to get one of the 11 spots, we are unfortunately unable to guarantee you performance time.
While we understand that some people are unable to get to Boomtown by the necessary time, your host, to be fair to those who have waited at the bar and to avoid any favoritism, will not be able to add your name to the list himself.
Please, have your instrument out of the case, tuned, and in working order before your turn. Your host will do his best to give you a reminder 1 song before your turn.
We are unable to mic acoustic instruments. The acoustics of the room (tile, glass and brick) are too prone to feedback. Your instrument, while acoustic, must have a quarter inch or XLR output jack.
As of this time, unless I know you personally, I will not be making my personal guitar available as a loaner anymore. It was my mother's, it's getting old and is just too sentimentally valuable to me to put at risk of damage. So please check that your instrument is fully functional. I will try to have backup batteries and strings but can't guarantee that so I recomend having some just in case.
And finally, to move the night along as quickly as possible, your set will consist of 3 songs OR 20 minutes, whichever comes first. This will include time between songs.
I have resisted the idea of hard rules for as long as possible. I have always prided myself on this open mic being a place to take risks, stretch your creative legs and feel freedom. Over 7 years ago, there wasn't even a list. I was just winging it. But, as new thresholds of popularity and attendance are reached, guidelines need to be put in place to ensure as much fairness as possible. I do so appreciate all the support this event has received over the years and look forward to many more in this beautiful creative space!
- Your Host, Bryan Oliver!
