| Music Nova Scotia’s Open Mic @ the Seahorse | |
So I missed getting this up yesterday, so here is their recap from last night and an early reminder for next week!
Music Nova Scotia’s inaugural Open Mic Night at The Seahorse in Halifax opened its welcoming arms last night to a couple hundred musicians, industry folks and fans. Several Music Nova Scotia board members came to enjoy the music and meet the members and Music Nova Scotia staff members were on hand to offer information about the industry association. The night produced a palpable electricity of camaraderie and creativity.
“This makes so much sense…”
Three long pages of musicians signed up to play, starting at 7 p.m. The extensive talent ranged from the sweet sounds of Molly Rankin to the strong vocals of newcomer Emily Steeves. The MacGillivray Brothers offered fine harmonies and The Folklore Centre’s David Bradshaw showed he can do much more than sell stringed instruments.
Old school open mic player Dusty Keeler offered fine folk tunes and special guest Ryan MacGrath blew away the audience with his epic waltzes. Even the boys from Faded Blue and Kev Corbett jumped on stage to add backup percussion.
“Now, this is art.”
In the industry room, photographer and designer Chr!s Sm!th displayed his stylish music photos. Look out for up-and-comer photographer Scott Blackburn next Tuesday, March 11.
The whole event was given the media spotlight by Paul Brothers from MuchMusic’s Going Coastal and the boys from East Coast Countdown, who will feature MNS Open Mic Nights on a continuous basis online.
“…and then Shaun Majumder played bongos with MNS board member Bill Appleby.”
The night started early and was expected to end by midnight, but the audience demanded more, leading to Music Nova Scotia board member Bill Appleby of Cape Breton belting out some gravelly songs with surprise guest Shaun Majumder (22 Minutes, 24, Unhitched) offering backup on vocals and bongos.
Music Nova Scotia’s Open Mic Night will be held every Tuesday night at The Seahorse (1665 Argyle Street, Halifax). It’s an opportunity for members and interested musicians to perform short acoustic sets on a Music Nova Scotia stage. But it’s also an opportunity for industry folks to get together for a casual meet and greet. There are plans to expand the invitation to full bands, including jazz nights.
Music Nova Scotia staff will always be on hand to offer news and information about Music Nova Scotia.
The music begins EARLY at 8 p.m. You never know who will show up as a surprise guest! Admission is FREE!
If you’re interested in playing, show up after 7 p.m. on Tuesdays to sign up with Troy Arsenault. Musicians who didn’t get to play last Tuesday will be put at the top of the list for Tuesday, March 11 – so show up early!
For more information, contact Troy Arsenault or Laura Simpson at openmic@musicnovascotia.ca or call the Music Nova Scotia office at (902) 423-6271.
Visit us online at www.musicnovascotia.ca
Related posts:
- Have Your Say (really - do this) on the Nova Scotia Music Sector Strategy
- Music Nova Scotia Congratulates Juno Nominees From Nova Scotia!
- Next Up: Nova Scotia Music Week
- More Music Mondays: Music Nova Scotia Podcasts
- Music Nova Scotia Showcases this weekend
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4 Comments so farLeave a comment
< ![CDATA[Hi there,
I have not been to your open mic yet though I sing-writer with the Nova Scotia songwriters associtation-(member of SAC) and I am an artist(acrylic on Canvas)
I was told all about this event the other night and some of the members who know my Artwork strongly suggested that this would be a great venue for featuring my work. I recently had an Art Show so I have a few collections that I am currently featuring..
I am unsure as to where to go from here. So any info would be great.
I am planning to attend next week and may put my name on the list to perform-I do alot of spoken word-...
any direction in so far as the process around featuring my Artwork would really be appreciated.
thanks
Leona]]>
< ![CDATA[Hey Leona - sending you email with more to make sure you see it!
Cheers]]>
< ![CDATA[This sounds like a great oppourtunity for musicians, but with the sheer volume of people signing up, it seems it would be rather difficult to land a spot on stage, especially for a non-Halifax resident wanting to attend and share in getting some exposure. With having to sign up and all. You might drive into the city with the hopes of playing the gig and might not be able to get a spot. So, sounds great for local musicians, but again doesn't seem to be promising for remote musicians unfortunately.]]>
< ![CDATA[Hey Andrew - I am almost positive that if you contacted Laura or Troy at the email above [or Laura at the office] - they would ensure a spot for you.
I think that is simply a pretty standard means for open mics anywhere to give everyone a shot at performing - but if you were coming some distance I don't think they would hesitate to work arrangements out with you.
Cheers]]>
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