Play time. An open mic is usually happening every night of the week somewhere, but betting on a crowd, and even fellow performers, is something of a risk, no matter where you go. Above, Mercury's own open mic connoisseur, Greg Elias, takes his turn in the spotlight on a Thursday night at Billy Goode's in Newport. PHOTO BY JACQUELINE MARQUE

Have guitar, will travel

A guide to open mic night

By Greg Elias

Amateur night can lend a special dimension to any local music landscape. It's also an American institution, giving anyone a stage and the attention of other artists and their friends - who can't wait for you to finish playing.

Even a small state like Rhode Island offers plenty of opportunities where an artist can develop a name for himself or herself within the circles that seek out open mics. The traditional singer/songwriter can easily find open chords and Dylan covers without muscling out rappers, competitive poetry or your one-man bands. The occasional unsure and under-funded garage band can find open drums and amps to wail on. Even I can play choppy acoustic rock in a storied Irish pub.

Since I started playing open mics during college, I've looked at them as a release. In the best case, you can find a place to play in front of people and enjoy some form of feedback. It's also a great way to seek out like-minded musicians.

I play my own songs, faster acoustic rock mostly. That's not what I go to hear if I'm looking for musicians, though. I've heard a two-piece wail on a loose beat and flub notes at an open microphone and thought, "That's the band for me!"

Sometimes a venue will even contact artists from their open mic to play an opening spot or a full set here or there. The potential for open mics leading to success is small, but it does exist.

Running the circuit from Providence to South County to Newport, I visited choice open mics culled from nightlife listings and the recommendations of musician friends, looking for the heart and the humor of what makes nervous waiting and rushed performance all the more worthwhile.

Tough crowd

THE CENTURY LOUNGE

150 Chestnut St., Providence.

751-2255

Mondays and Thursdays, Sign-up at 8 p.m.

My first subject in this piece allows me to get my worst performance out of the way. Formerly held next door at The Call nightclub, open mic at The Century Lounge is usually a festival of high school hardcore and hard rock vets.

Sign-up is advertised as 8 p.m. On this particular night, I showed up at about 8:06 p.m., placing me second-to-last at number 11 on the list.

The rules are the standard three songs/15-minute set length, as well as a supposedly strict no tuning onstage policy. Both of these were thrown violently aside at various points on this evening, especially during a particularly unbearable seven-minute, three-chord disaster from one guy who had been practicing in the bathroom for more than an hour.

Interesting color was added to the evening by two one-man bands equipped with complex effects boards and a love of low tunings. If 10-minute guitar solos are your thing, The Century Lounge was the only place I got to hear any.

Certain acts, particularly local "metal" bands, are the main draws at these events.

This became painfully noticeable during my set when, after three hours of waiting, I followed the most aggressive hard rock act, cherry-red Epiphone in hand.

I was greeted with turned backs and conversation after my first song, and in turn was a bit harsh with the audience. After finishing my second, only four people remained, down from nearly 20.

Cozy venue, nice vibe

THE CUSTOM HOUSE TAVERN

36 Weybosset St., Providence

751-3630

Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 p.m.

A welcoming place with low lights, friendly regulars to lean on and portraits of Elvis Costello and Gene Autry placed prominently, the Custom House holds an open mic night with a different host every Monday and Wednesday at 9 p.m.

This night in question is hosted by Pam, who generously takes a bow after one acoustic instrumental piece to allow performers more time than the old "three songs/15 minutes" rule.

The atmosphere is loose and quiet, with the only glassless wall standing behind a shelf of board games and coffee table books. The bar itself is placed at the foot of the stairs in a room no bigger than your common kitchen/dining combo. Comforts remain even as the crowd swells to 30, while patrons rotate out for cigarettes and conversation.

Each act is a twist on the singer/songwriter template, which can tire a bit as each performer locks in on a slightly longer set length than at most events. The sound is very good for such a small venue, with the PA perfectly capturing acoustic guitar tone where bigger venues tend to fail.

The Custom House Tavern has an intimate, solid open mic atmosphere with plenty of people who hang out and listen after they're done.

Best sound

THE OAK HILL TAVERN

565 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown

294-3282

Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

This venue hosts the official Rhode Island Songwriters Association open mic. When I went, five people in total graced the stage in this North Kingstown restaurant/bar, with only me and one other musician playing original material.

Host Buddy Cavaleri was quite gracious in welcoming a newcomer to the fold. I was allowed to play six songs in about 20 minutes, which is far more than I had played at any open mic before. Whatever dinner crowd had lingered once the performances began at 8 p.m. had dwindled, leaving only players, their guests and wait staff to hear the last two acts, including me.

The RISA let me sign up for their monthly prize package, however, which was nice. You can read more about them at risongwriters.com.

Unfortunately, for the people who didn't show, Oak Hill Tavern had the best sound of any place I played, slightly better than the Custom House. My guitar got a crisp, full sound through their PA, leaving me confident rather than questioning in regards to my performance. It was by far my best presentation.

Comfort zone

JUDGE ROY BEAN SALOON

1 State St., Bristol

253-7526

Tuesdays, 9 p.m.

A just-returned college crowd set this event apart from the previous three. Hosted by Colby James, this open mic featured solo acoustic sets sandwiched between local bands.

The atmosphere at Judge Roy Bean was more comfortable for me, a recent grad, than the other places I played. James was friendly and accommodating, lending me a pick since I had forgotten my own once again. I played four songs but stayed within my 15-minute window, since nothing was said about any three-song rule.

The PA was decent, though I fell victim to a thinner guitar sound than I might like.

Something to consider before planning a set is the emphasis placed on bands. James told me that the groups that play are usually trying to book shows at the venue and they are given longer set times, in addition to however long set-up takes. On this particular night, both bands were better than anything I had seen at the Century Lounge by a long shot. Despite being relatively middle-of-the-road, they were certainly listenable.

Appreciative listeners

- and beer!

BILLY GOODE'S

29 Marlborough St., Newport

848-5013

Thursdays, 9:30 p.m.

By far the most charming venue I attended, Billy Goode's was repeatedly billed to me by regulars as having a "Greenwich Village" type ambience, as well as music seven nights a week. It's certainly far more than a beer hall with a thin Irish veil.

I had to wait an extra week to go to this event, thanks to the NFL season opener between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders. This bar has a dedication to its local squads, which is admirable if you've ever been drinking and tried to read closed-captioning for the Red Sox game.

What separated this open mic from the rest was the presence of talented professional musicians. Among them were former band members and country/folk artists including Paul Geremia, a heralded bluesman, plus some notable amateurs.

There was definitely an older crowd at this event, and the appreciation level for each act was akin to that of the Custom House. People listened and talked to me about my music. Someone even bought beers for my girlfriend and me. I actually think I made friends, which has never really happened at an open mic. Host Jim McGrath was friendly and enthusiastic, introducing each performer and allowing replays.

Billy Goode was the first in the state to get arrested for violating prohibition. A freewheeling, friendly and decidedly local attitude still pervades the establishment that continues to bear his name.

***SOUTH COUNTY DISCLAIMER***

I feel that it is important to note that any underrepresentation of the South County open mic scene in this piece is not due to my neglect of the region. I attempted to perform at events scheduled at Daniel B's in Wakefield and the Ocean Mist in Matunuck. I found out (the night of, both times) that each was canceled.

A patron at the Ocean Mist told me that event was canceled "forever." This was especially surprising, since their automated line still listed the event as on. Daniel B's finally realized that two karaoke nights was better than one, resulting in the loss of Wakefield's only open mic night. Make sure you call ahead, because some venues are week-to-week when it comes to these types of events, especially if they've only been drawing equal to the early dinner crowd at the Tam O'Shanter.

Multi-instrumentalist Greg Elias records music under the name "Academia" in his garage and has played shows at a number of venues in his home state of Florida. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in May 2005. E-mail him at academiaisaband@yahoo.com.

 

OPEN MIC ETIQUETTE

Strict rules govern set length at many open mic nights. The most frustrating moments come with the endless chorus - someone who thinks their three chords are the most important. Try to avoid being hated by your captives by being merciful and following these simple rules:

THINK SHORT AND SWEET. People do not know you and most of them don't care to hear your music. Just like you, they want to be heard by someone. Curry favor and attention by keeping it brief, especially if your songs tend to repeat a simple pattern. Remember, it's not a matter of taste. Modesty gains the most respect at this kind of open art forum.

LESS TALK, MORE ROCK. Most people don't care to hear stories of inspiration. Be tuned up and ready to go and just play out. Enjoy the release through music rather than telling people about your girlfriend. That's like being asked to give a eulogy and setting the table by talking about how you managed writing the thing with your busy social calendar and all.

NO INSTANT REPLAY. Don't be pushy about getting more stage time. I think the main thing about open mic's is to remember that everyone else, especially younger players, just want to get onstage and play. It's not science, but there's a big difference between the places where people just want someone to hear them play, and the places where people actually go to listen. The latter won't usually be as raucous, but the reception is certainly warmer.

GREG ELIAS

 

TESTING ... 1- 2- 3

TECHNIQUES FOR GOOD MICROPHONE USE

Know when it's on. Nothing like swearing under your breath or making a private comment and having the whole room hear you. Make a mental note of the on, off, or mute modes.

Good posture counts. Your voice needs breath and space. Enable it by standing straight. Adjust the mic for your height. It should be slightly lower than your top lip.

Decide how close to get. Your music will decide how close you should position yourself to the mic. If you're belting out show tunes, you probably want to stand back. "I definitely get lipstick on my mic," said jazz singer and voice teacher Bonnie Strickman of Newport. "The thing about a mic is it helps you not to push. Let the mic work for you."

Avoid feedback. Don't tilt the mic toward the speaker, Strickman advises. And nothing says amateur like tapping the mic.

 

Danielle Tooman's sweet buns show off a dangerously enticing pair of Antik Denim Jeans that ring in for a mere $268. PHOTO BY JACQUELINE MARQUE

Denim, so haute, so in

LAURA JEAN

94 William St., Newport

849-JEAN (5326)

Open Mon.-Sat., 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.

BY ELISABETH STEINHARDT

For far too long, Newporters have had to leave the island to find a store dedicated to the haute trend of denim.

But that all changed in August with the opening of Laura Jean in - of all places - a converted five and dime turned high-end denim boutique on William Street. Named after Laura Jean Flynn, Laura Jean offers upscale denim brands, trés chic accessories and one-of-a-kind items all amazing enough to give your wardrobe a push in the fabulously trendy direction.

Flynn, a native of West Springfield, Mass., tried hard to give her boutique a quintessential West Coast feel by creating a rustic saloon atmosphere. The store resembles the den of someone's home with hardwood floors, oversized and overstuffed leather couches, antique chests, exposed red metal beams and old wooden planks together with fraying ropes to act as shelves for merchandise.

The West Coast inspiration doesn't stop there though.

Flynn's buyer and now close friend, Melissa Pattavina, looks to L.A. for trends that tend to be ahead of the East Coast.

"We try to get all of the styles sooner," Pattavina said. "People haven't heard of them yet because they just came out."

Although this dynamic denim duo likes to be fashion trendsetters, Flynn said, "We also like to keep in stock things that the East Coast likes."

With 19 different designs for guys, 29 different styles for girls and an always growing inventory, there is definitely something for everyone. You can splurge on brands like Antik Denim, Chip & Pepper, Rock & Republic, Kasil, Seven, Citizens of Humanity and Paper Denim and many more styles and brands that have yet to come.

Also look for accessories and apparel by the haute San Francisco designer Christian Audigier and his line called Ed Hardy. Audigier partnered up with Don Ed Hardy, "the grandfather of tattoo," to create a new line of T's, tanks and hats which have become one of the hottest brands across the country. Ed Hardy is so haute right now that stars like David and Victoria Beckham, Tony Hawk, Paris Hilton, Brad Pitt and Usher have been seen rocking these items.

From jeans ranging from $130 up to $286, try not to break the bank while shopping for this season's wardrobe staple.

This store truly is the store Newporters have been waiting for. With a homey feel that encourages shoppers to plop down on the comfy couches, drop their bags and drop top dollars for top-of-the-line clothing and accessories, Laura Jean is going to turn Newport into a label-whore heaven.