by Arcduciel

Created on: June 18, 2008

One of the traditional ways to find other "real" musicians looking for bands (as opposed to living-room rockstars) is to go to jam or open mike nights at local clubs. Most medium to large cities have these, and even rural areas often have open acoustic jams at the Grange Hall focusing on bluegrass and old time styles. "Open" means open to all players, a musical potluck. There will usually be a host in charge of the rotating lineup, making sure bands are balanced and no one is hogging the show. Your first time out, just go and observe the other players. You'll learn to spot who is reliable and professional-quality material and who is not by the manners and etiquette they display toward the other players.

These are my observations from thirty years of open mike, open jam, guest appearances and the like in the field of rock, folk, blues, bluegrass, jazz and original mash-ups.

When you are a guest on someone else's stage or at a jam or open mike -

0. be sober enough. As a former hard-drinkin' sort myself, i can't emphasize this enough. I've done some embarrassing things onstage, and consequently played very bad bad BAD. I have seen too many others do the same. It's usually very inappropriate. However, if the whole place is sloshed, it's 3 am and everybody's baby done left 'em moanin de blooz, YOU might be just the exact drunken bard that can channel the sublime pathos of it all through your performance for that memorable group catharsis moment.
Probably not, though.

1. Never never EVER set a drink or ashtray on anyone else's gear. EVER. If you return to the stage and find these things on YOUR amp, it's best if you place them discreetly in their owner's hardshell case, contents intact, so s/he won' t forget them. IMHO, It really shows more class to leave these things off the stage or at least out of sight.

2. PLEASE wash your hands before you interface with someone else's rig if you've been sitting there waiting for your set hoovering up greasy chips or BBQ.

3. It is always better to be told to turn up, rather than to turn down.

4. Don't solo unless you're asked/nodded/encouraged by the bandleader. 8 bars max.

5. Don't ask to play some one else's personal instrument, especially if you are drunk, holding a cigarette and have chicken grease dribbling down your black t-shirt. Show interest in it, then let them offer it if they are comfortable with you.

6. Always encourage and uplift the other players, especially if you are a more experienced or advanced player. Remember when

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