OPEN MIC NIGHT @ BOBBY LEWSEvery Thursday from 8:30pm-12:30am you can find me at Bobby Lew’s Saloon hosting Open Mic Night. The address is 2006 18th St. NW DC 20009. That’s in Adams Morgan, just above U St./Florida Ave. on
the west side of the street. There’s always a $3.00 beer special for participating musicians. Sometimes they cook…
I started just the gig just after President Obama’s inauguration, and like his administration we have had our ups and downs, but I can assure you that we have total containment of our oil spills (thanks, Big Daddy). It’s the friendliest place I have ever worked: the kind of place you have no problem coming to alone because there’s always a bloviator or two hanging around to amuse you.
All musicians are welcome…my only stipulation is that you have to play it or sing it. I do not play backing tracks, as that is just a bit too karaoke for me. Set times will vary with the number and quality of players available that night. Please know that this is not a democracy, rather it is a meritocracy which is based on your talent, attitude, loyalty (consistent supporters are duly recognized), following (the more they drink, the better you sound), and sexual favors (not for me, stupid, for the owner, Martin (don’t worry…he’s a swell guy and none too choosy)). Please know that favoritism is kept to a minimum; all decisions are based on what is best for the bar because we all got to pay the man (who will then hopefully pay me, and it is all about me, right?) Actually, it’s all about you, so if there’s anything I can do to make the experience better for you and everyone else, please feel free to let me know.
As for the set up, I provide the following: EV mains(2) and monitors(2), 8 channel Allen & Heath board, 3 vocal mics and 1 instrument mic, graphic and parametric EQ, 1 outboard effects unit, DI box w/para EQ for guitar, Blues JR. amp and a Peavey amp for bass. I don’t have a drum kit, but there is always a djembe on hand. Drum kits are welcome with prior notification, and I have a keyboard (nice one) that I will haul in for those who want to sit in with me (no offence, but I’m not lugging around a 75 lb., $2000 instrument so you can sing your through-composed song about your latest love spat). I always have an extra acoustic guitar on stage, and any experienced musician is welcome to sit in with me. While this is an Open Mic rather than a Jam, we have a
good history of musicians mixing it up on Thursday nights.
And so it goes…please come out and join us…email me at silkydave@silkydave.com if you have any questions or
comments…thanks…SD
