The hardest part of any budding musician is leaving their bedroom and perform in front of a group. Of course, there is the difficulty of finding a group that is willing to listen to them. Then if everything goes alright the next step is performing as an opening act for a big-name artist. Very few make it to the stage headlining a tour.
The greatest service any local bar can do is having an open mic night. By giving musicians the opportunity, the chance to sign up and play two or three songs in front of an audience.
I am sure such musicians like Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins and Toby Keith got their feet wet on stage where some local bar gave them the opportunity to sing in front of the locals.
Every Wednesday night O’ Michaels hosts a talented musician before turning it over to anyone who wants to sing a song or two. In those evenings, I heard a relatively new music genre called Murder Ballads. On one evening I heard a song titled PS I Love Bacon. On another evening, I heard a song praising power tools.
From my own personal experience, I know it takes a lot of courage to get in front of friends and strangers to test the possibility of a career in singing. Granted not everyone who gets up on stage is the next Elvis Presley. At one point in time, Elvis had to stand up on a bar room stage and sing.
I go to O’ Michaels every chance I get because I enjoy listening to locals strumming their guitars and singing. It is my way of supporting those who are testing the waters to see if they can have a chance at singing on stage for a living or just fun.
If you happen to be in the neighborhood of O’ Michaels at 2433 N Bogus Basin Rd in Boise on a Wednesday about 7 pm. Stick your head in and listen for a few. You just might find a new song and artist you like.
