3 Simple Tips that Every Open Mic Night Host Should Follow

Hosting an open mic night is a lot harder than it sounds. You don't simply set up a mic and, er, open it. You've got to manage a good list and keep your show moving along to make it equally entertaining for both artists and the people watching them.

If you're hosting an open mic, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make your show active, engaging, and worry-free.

Keep extras on hand . Part of the thrill of an open mic is that someone who has never played out before might jump on stage, or out of town performers might suddenly grab a guitar and sing a tune. Of course, these people won't have the stuff they need. Have a house guitar ready--preferably something cheap, because it'll get banged up over the course of a few months--a few capos, extra picks, extra mics, and extra cords. Try to avoid stopping or slowing down your show. The best way to do this is to plan out what you'll need in a really hectic night and by buying lots and lots of extra accessories.

Restrict your performers. There are two open mic nights that I frequently visit. The first one lets each performer play anywhere from 6-8 songs, practically a full set, and the other harshly restricts performers to two tunes each. Want to guess which one I prefer?

When an open mic night restricts performers to two songs or so, it becomes vastly more entertaining. People who show up to watch the show will see a moving, organic show, not some local songwriter playing vanity tunes.

Keep a good list. One of the best tips I've received on hosting is to have a good, solid list ready and to tell performers when it's almost their turn. This allows them to go out and smoke or get their gear out and tuned up before they go on. I try to tell people about twenty minutes before they play that they're coming up so that there aren't any surprises. Also, if I've got a good list for my open mic night, I'm prepared if someone leaves without telling me. I'll repeat their name a few times and move to the next guy on the list.

You could, of course, just try to remember everyone's names, and this is a good thing to do just to be personable. But you really don't want all that pressure and a list will make your open mic night seem way more official.

Do you have any other open mic night hosting tips? Post in the comments section below.