Open Mics nights anyone...?

[Eric***]

I've been to an open-mic-ish thing here a couple of times, mainly to play, but it's one where you need to reserve time in advance, are on the hook for 3 songs, and 2 of them have to be original. So I'm not sure if that qualifies as a normal open mic night. It's pretty cool and I would like to explore more when I have some more time.

[poodlesrule]

...it's one where you need to reserve time in advance, are on the hook for 3 songs, and 2 of them have to be original...

Uh, do you also need a letter from your parents or guardian, and sign a non-disclosure agreement..?

A bit over the top, IMO. A number of prospective participants are excluded by defaut, there.

Spoken word entries?

Spoken word can be tremendous fun: these past two months we have had a guy do comedy that's just riveting. The second he climbs on stage, he looks at the audience with that puzzled look, and it's off to the races...!

[Eric***]

Uh, do you also need a letter from your parents or guardian, and sign a non-disclosure agreement..?

A bit over the top, IMO. A number of prospective participants are excluded by defaut, there.

Well, that's why I questioned whether it was really an open mic or not. I think it's more of a forum for people to showcase songs that they've written and they like to give it some boundaries, but I think you confirmed my suspicion that you would be hard-pressed to call it an open-mic night.