Before I get started, I want to thank Brendan Getzell who hosts the open mic at the Utah, and the Utah itself for being ‘The ‘Ute”. You both rock!!! Literally 🙂
I’ve wanted to feature at the Utah for some time and finally, that day came. I played on July 23rd as the featured performer at the Hotel Utah Open Mic! That may not seem like much to a lot of people but it had significance to me for a few reasons.
I’ve been going to Hotel Utah’s open mic on and off for a while now but only recently started to attend every week, about 6 -7 weeks ago. I like this place – it’s right in my backyard and this open mic, as many others, has its own unique blend of performers and atmosphere. The Utah at my place of work, more commonly known as The Ute, is a popular place for my fellow employees to celebrate things worthy of drink! To that we recognize important company milestones; employee departures; the end of tough weeks; or for a big what the hell – The Ute is the place we go. So I’ve been there’s countless times not just for regular beer consumption but for the open mic. I first played there in September of 2010 when I was just a burgeoning artist and wanting to whip out my first few completed songs and test them.
Tonight at 8:30PM at Exit Theatre at 156 Eddy St. right off Mason St., just a short walk from buses and bart – Thundergg and I will perform a show in the cafe. Thunderegg is an awesome performer with quite a catalog and musical history where I’m just someone who has recently started trying to make a name for myself. I’m fortunate to be paired with such a great guy and fantastic musician – this should be a damn good evening. A big special thanks to Melissa Lyn and Songwriter Saturdays for giving us the chance to perform in such a cool place!
I like going to this event to catch a more intimate view of an artist as opposed to what you can only glean from open mics – this is a way to hear more at once and get a better picture and feel for a performer. Now it’s my chance to share my music along with Will – Thunderegg in a place I deeply admire.
I hope to see you there!
I love going to big concerts and will always do so, but it seems like the more popular or famous an artist, the more it costs! They’re really raking in the money these days with VIP packages and premium seating not to mention artists like Maynard James Keenan and Geoff Tate who do wine tastings – Maynard actually makes his own wine which I do admire and enjoy – excellent juice he makes! But my point is that maybe from time to time you could skip the bigger shows and see some local acts – maybe even if you don’t skip the shows, go see a local lesser known artist which a lot of the times tend to be free. I know not every part of the country is the same but here in the bay area it’s amazing how much music you can see for next to nothing and you can support the local scene and businesses that host these events as well. It’s economics and it helps both artists and business and local economies.
This is a great little event hosted by Melissa Lyn almost every Saturday at the Exit Theater on Eddy St. in downtown San Francisco. It’s not too far in to the sketchy area so it’s a safe walk from Powell St.
I managed to move to a much smaller and cheaper apartment directly across from my work – which is surprisingly pleasant and makes giving my cats medication much easier 🙂 I do have to say that being so close to the office has been better than I imagined and I do love the commute! Now that I’m moved, I still have a few small lingering items to deal with like a car to sell, and my washer and dryer I no longer have a place to hook-up, and then finalizing my unpacking and organization but it’s coming along nicely and by the end of the month I should be able to relax and record – which leads to the reason for this post.
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I managed to move to a much smaller and cheaper apartment directly across from my work – which is surprisingly pleasant and makes giving my cats medication much easier 🙂 I do have to say that being so close to the office has been better than I imagined and I do love the commute! Now that I’m moved, I still have a few small lingering items to deal with like a car to sell, and my washer and dryer I no longer have a place to hook-up, and then finalizing my unpacking and organization but it’s coming along nicely and by the end of the month I should be able to relax and record – which leads to the reason for this post.
I just back from my first trip to the UK and had an amazing time! So much history and so much to see – I love visiting new places for the first time and how it just opens up your senses and your brain. To me it feels like an indoor cat looks when you they go outside for the first time – peaked and intrigued!
Finnegan’s in Novato has been under the hosting awesomeness of KC Turner for over 5 years and draws and interesting and diverse crowd or fans and performers. I experienced this first hand recently and I have to admit that I was blown away by the reception of me and my abilities as well and the wonderful performers that graced my first evening in this North Bay open mic.
Last night was the first open mic of 2012 for Red Devil Lounge with KC Turner hosting and we’re thankful to have it back in swing! Red Devil’s open mic is one that I find it hard to miss – the atmosphere is cool and there are always new people coming from all over and of course, us regulars. KC as usual sets up a great night with his now becoming infamous tag line “rad” and presents with a sense that makes you feel welcome. I think KC really has what it takes to be a fantastic promoter and host and it shows in what he does: the man is dedicated to his trade and not only that – he’s a great songwriter/performer.
Brent Andrew Shinn 