Open Jam with Tim Melanson - Wednesdays at Morton Pub, Thursdays at Point Park WizeGuyz

I host two jam nights a week.

The Vibe:

Wednesday - you don't really have to know the song that's being played... You can figure it out as you go, or play it your own way. Let's just have some fun.

Wednesday Rules:

If you play and sing, then you get first dibs... Everyone gets at least 3 songs... More depending on how many artists are there and how well you are rocking the night... I do my best to make sure everyone gets a chance.

If you are a singer and do not play... I can play songs with you, however, if there are other musicians who sing and also play, they get first dibs... so the best thing to do is bring someone to play guitar for you and then you also get the minimum 3 songs...

I try to mix things up as much as possible so if you show up with a band and you all want to play at the same time, please send me a quick message firs and show up right at 10.

Location : Morton Pub

Thursday - we tend to stick to the song, so if you want to play a song with a few musicians that also know the song (maybe not 100% of course but close enough) then Thursday one is for you.

Thursday Rules:

If the stage is empty, you can play what you want. However, if no one wants to jump on stage with you then I'll ask you to play something that everyone wants to play or I'll switch it up.

The trick to Thursday is to play the songs that the other musicians want to play... If you don't sing, then find a singer to sing the songs you want to play...

If you play and sing then you get 3 songs or more depending on whether everyone wants to keep playing your songs... The goal is for everyone to have fun... so sometimes we can jam on originals as long as they are well constructed and intuitive. The best bet is to play awesome songs that we all know or can figure out quickly.

I keep an eye on how many musicians are there and I try to give everyone equal playing time.

I try to mix things up as much as possible so if you show up with a band and you all want to play at the same time, please send me a quick message first and show up right at 10.

Location : Point Park WizeGuyz

Equipment:

I bring an acoustic guitar, electric guitar & amp, electronic drumset and bass

If you are a singer, you can sing songs with me, I have a book of songs or you can sing lyrics off your phone. If you want to be sure you get a few songs with me, make sure you show up early.

New Open Mic in Moncton at the Iceberg Pub

Moncton Open mic (or open stage) is about to get even better, my first exposure to the open mic music scene was in Ottawa in 2001. I remember going up on stage for the first time... It was exhilarating and exciting. The two musicians that were with me were first timers as well. They were both crapping themselves out of nervousness, but I remember being fairly calm. I've always loved the spotlight so I just felt natural on stage... plus I had INCREDIBLE players with me, so I knew that we'd be fine... Ok... Sorry for the rant ;)

The point is I'm not new to open mics and I think I've been able to draw from the different styles of other open mic hosts and put together a fun supportive experience.

I've set up a new Open Mic in Moncton at the Iceberg Pub.  The bar is nice and small and intimate... The 'stage' area is a great size.  Lot's of room for a full band.

I also cater to singers who would love the experience of singing into a mic in front of a crowd but just need a guitar player. I have a book full of lyrics (that I bring every week) with a extremely wide and diverse collection of songs to sing that I can play and sing backup. Of course, if you really want to sing something specific that I don't already know... Just let me know the song and chances are I can play a "reasonable faximile". ;-)

So whether you sing or play, you definitely should come out and play a song or two... Or just listen in and have a few cold ones.

To learn more about the Open Mic you can just follow along in the Open Mic Group on Facebook

Also, feel free to join my fan page