Mr. Troll – Host of Poor David’s Pub Open Mic
Okay, I don’t mean you can spend the night. Or even raid the refrigerator. More like a weekly family reunion with people you are comfortable being with. Granted, there are always weird cousins or funky aunts and uncles – but it wouldn’t be the same without them.
There are a number of open mics that fit the criteria I’m going to relate. Among them are the Dallas Songwriters Association open mics – and, indeed, the organization as a whole. Those who lead an open mic that fits the category, please weigh in with a comment. Welcome to the world of open mics….
I’m using the Poor David’s Pub open mic hosted by Mr. Troll on Mondays as my example. As can be found in the Dallas Area Open Mics group on Facebook (Troll is administrator of the group), there are a number of open mics on every day of the week. As Troll says, call ahead to check the details before going to an open mic.
Bar, club, or restaurant owners, as a general rule, are notoriously impatient about getting results. Some have been known to cancel an open mic after only a couple of weeks. And sometimes, they’ve cancelled them at any time for any reason. Again, check before going to an open mic. Even poor David has had schedule conflicts and needed to postpone the open mic. But he usually tells Troll so people know in advance.
But the first criteria for a successful open mic is a good variety of talent. Some who have only been writing songs for a short time. Some who wish they were songwriters and just like to play and sing – they usually play covers. A variety of ages, as well. It’s a musically nurturing community with everyone being supportive of all performers and giving advice to those who are younger and just getting started.
Actually, that was two criteria – variety of talent, and performers without egos who support fellow singer-songwriters – rather than view them as competitors. Which means if you’re going to an open mic for the first time, be respectful and supportive of the other performers. If you’re experienced, use that experience to pass along advice and tell others how well they did. (Give them credit for potential.)
Stay tuned for part two. I don’t want to take too much of your time at once. I appreciate you being here.
Peace be with you.
I was running late for the 
songs. Particularly a song such as If Jesus was a Texan. When he asked if anyone knew who Jack Kerouac was, and nearly everyone raised their hand, Hopson commented that it was the most people at any one show that had responded positively. Then he played his introspective song, Kerouac On the Run.
In a previous open mic tales post, I talked about the two guitarists of 
driving songs with the nicely timed leads of Michael Jekot. Kapsner kept the rhythm in his own right as his vocals blended seamlessly into the songs. But, in Pistol Point, they pulled out all the stops. The band whipped into jam mode, with the two guitarists playing duel leads reminiscent of the Allman Brothers. Queen of Diamonds nicely wrapped up the set.
There were two featured artists at the 
another, the intensity did not waiver throughout the set.
The “special guest” was sound man Carlos Sanchez and the Ghoulies. They are a six piece band. I don’t have any names, other than Carlos. Hopefully, Troll will post in the comments with their names. They covered Eric Clapton and Texas Tornadoes, and did them well. At the end of the open mic, a few members of the Ghoulies joined Scott Thornton and Tin Man Travis for an all out jam.
Chasing After Wind 