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 okay, 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 have an open mic night. By giving musicians the opportunity 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 a local bar gave them the opportunity to sing. Often the first songs are sung at church before advancing on to open mics, fairs, and regular night clubs.
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 new to me, a music genre called Murder Ballads.
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 time, Elvis had to stand 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 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.
