Open Mic

This area is dedicated to open mics in the San Francisco bay area mostly, but as I get out and venture I’ll surely add more.

Brentv Shinn

Moving Slowly – Hotel Utah Open Mic

I don’t think I’ve ever shared this song short of a few open mics. This was recorded recently at the Hotel Utah’s awesome open mic on January 7th 2013. (It really did take me 3 months to finish this post!)

Michael Beese was kind enough to improvise over it for me on his vio-fiddle thing.

Moving Slowly – Brent Shinn, Hotel Utah Saloon January 7th 2013 (Michael Beese – Fiddle) You can also hear more of my music on the site as well as an amazing archive of music from the performers as well as upcoming Utah related shows, tweets, and more!

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Brentv Shinn

I’m the featured performer tonight at Neck of the Woods Open Mic (12/26/12)

Tonight (Wednesday 12/26) at 9:30PM I will be the featured performer at Neck of the Woods Open Mic – formerly the Rockit Room. Sign-ups start at 7:30PM with Rory Cloud as the host and Brentando slinging the brews. This was kind of a last minute thing so there was no way to really spam out an early notice and I know a lot of people are away for the holidays – anyway, I’m playing tonight! If you’re around…

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Brentv Shinn

Hotel Utah Open Mic 7/30 Comedy / Parody Night

I don’t consider myself as funny as I do just a smart ass, but I tried to write a song about the ever popular topic of flatulence. I wrote a song called iFarted and although I haven’t played in it some time, I decided to take the easy route and not write or learn something to just do what I have. I did forget to practice the song beforehand but I’ve been really busy with a few other projects and I also like to keep my word so I stayed focused on the upcoming gig and then to another project where I’m co-writing with someone and just didn’t prioritize any time to practice the song. Now that I have my excuse for slop out of the way… 🙂

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Brentv Shinn

Hotel Utah Open Mic Feature Spot

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.

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Brentv Shinn

Featured performer 7/23/2012 Hotel Utah open mic = me!

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.

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Brentv Shinn

UK Vacation and Open Mics!

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!

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Brentv Shinn

Finnegan’s Novato Open Mic

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.

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Brentv Shinn

Red Devil Open Mic – 1/10/2012

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.

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Brentv Shinn

Open Mic at Hola! in Burlingame – ROCKED!

I failed in taking notes and I mean to take notes – I do, really. I want to blog about open mics around the bay area and elsewhere so I will scorn myself for not taking notes. In the future, expect names and better information but for now just expect a summary of the evening… I loved it! I’ve never played my music with a drummer and a bassist, let alone a pair of seasoned players and these guys were great – I was the one screwing up.

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Brentv Shinn

Bazaar Saved!

Apparently Bazaar Cafe has a lot of people who really care that it stays open and I for one, am extremely thankful for that. The main host and someone intimately involved with Bazaar, Robin Galante posted that they reached their goal of $7000 in one day and the doors will remain open come January 2nd! Hooray! I will surely be attending more shows there this year as I can and of course the open mics as often as my schedule allows. It’s truly amazing to see so many people come together so quickly to save a massively important part of the local music scene that really defines part of what makes the local vibe what it is. Thanks to everyone and please continue to support local music by visiting local open mics and original performances where you can – it’s genuinely one cool way to support your local economy and your local artists.