West 34 hosts Open Mic Night at America’s Historic Roundhouse in Aurora
We are accepting most genres of music to play as a full band or solo or you can jam with West 34 on
songs that are in our catalog (http://west34.com/our_music.html). We are currently not accepting rap/Hip
Hop artists, Heavy Metal, Death Metal or Screamo artists. A video or audio sample of your material will
be required for consideration. Artists will get approximately 15 - 20 minutes or 3-4 songs each. Details
are listed below in Q&A format. Please read the details and send the requested information at the end to
us at w34mail@comcast.net please include a link, video or mp3 sample of your material for proper
consideration. This will be a great opportunity for you to perform on a professional stage, meet people &
network, get the word out about your next show, try out new material and possibly get a weekend
headlining slot at the Roundhouse.
Where/When is it?
America’s Historic Roundhouse is located at 205 N. Broadway in downtown Aurora. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
Thursdays of every month. You can visit the venue website at www.RH34.com for venue details.
What's the format like?
Each band/artist plays 3-4 songs, or roughly 15 minutes worth of music. Bands/artists need to arrive by 7:
45pm to ensure a spot for the night. The performance order will be selected at random and you will be
given your slot by 8pm. The house band West 34 will start at 8:00pm, and the night should end by 11pm
or shortly after.
Who's invited to play?
We are encouraging most styles of music to come and play. We are not accepting rap/hip hop, or metal
genres at this time. An ideal night in our minds would include rock, funk, world, jazz, acoustic, r&b, pop
and would feature mid level to seasoned veteran performers. While we are able to accommodate a full
band set up, acoustic acts are also encouraged to sign up as soloists or duos. You are also invited to sit
in with West 34 on songs from our catalog http://west34.com/our_music.html). Bring your friends by to
come watch you as well.
What's the scene like?
The crowd on these nights will be made up of musicians and music lovers attending the open mic
events. We want this event to develop into a nurturing and beneficial scene for all the musicians
involved. Experienced bands/artists will be able to use it as an opportunity to promote an upcoming
show, make new fans, sell some albums, try out new songs in a live setting, or even audition a new
member. Newer bands/artists will get an opportunity to experience performing on a professional stage,
gain confidence playing in front of others, meet other bands to book shows with, and give their friends
a chance to see them in a real live setting. Walter Payton’s Roundhouse has a professional stage with
top quality sound and lighting equipment. There will be food and drinks specials as well.
How do I sign up?
Unlike most open mics that put out a sign up sheet on the evening of the event, we will be doing sign
up ahead of time via email. This ensures that all bands/individuals are clear on the logistics. To sign up,
send an email to: w34mail@comcast.net and include the following:
-Band/Artist Name
-Contact info (email/cell phone)
-Date you wish to play
-# of members / instrumentation
-any special needs for sound
-any other comments / requests / questions
And we will email you back asap to confirm your spot. We welcome return artists- sign up as often as
you'd like. If a particular week is already full, we will email you back about future Tuesday options. We
don't spam or share your email with anyone.
How can I get a weekend gig at the Roundhouse?
Success at the Roundhouse is determined by your musical prowess and the fans that you draw.
Attached with your information packet will be a ticket that can be printed by your fans. Have your fans
bring in the ticket to the door. They will then be privy to an exclusive refreshment offer as well as
showing the Roundhouse how many fans you brought in. Any bands that bring in 30 people or more will
be asked to appear on a weekend show as a headliner.
BANDS/ARTISTS - make sure you read the additional Q&A below prior to signing up:
What Can I Bring?
Vocalists - Consider yourself taken care of. There will be enough mics on stage to accommodate up to 4
vocalists.
Guitarists - Electric and Acoustic guitars are both welcome. We will have 2 guitar amps on stage for use
(both high quality tube amps). Bring a few pedals if you have them/need them, but please remember
time is of the essence and quick change between acts is essential so make sure you are compact.
Bassists - We will have a bass amp available for electric basses Pedals are welcome, but please
observe the same rule as listed above for guitarists.
Keyboardists - Please bring no more than one keyboard, as well as a stand for it. If you have a
chair/throne that you prefer to sit on, you may bring it as well.
Drummers - All hardware (including hi-hat clutch) and a throne are included. The event does not provide
cymbals, so please bring your own hi-hat, crash, and ride. Drummers should also bring their own sticks.
If necessary, the drummer can also bring: a bass drum beater and their own snare drum.
Other instruments - We will have additional mics/DI's on stage to accommodate other instruments that
your band may have. Make sure you mention what these instruments are in your email and we'll work it
out.
What Can't I Bring?
We want to ensure that set up/tear down time is kept to a minimum. You should be able to hop on stage
holding your instruments, plug in, tune up, and be ready to play. A good rule of thumb to have is this - if
it takes more than one trip on stage to bring your gear up, don't bring it. We are striving to have high
quality gear on stage that all performers will be comfortable with. That being said, here's the details:
Guitarists/Bassists - Please do NOT bring your own amps. Please don't bring any elaborate pedal or
staging setups that would require additional time for set up and tear down.
Keyboardists - Please try not to bring more than one keyboard. Multiple people playing individual
keyboards is ok, provided that everything can be set up on stage in a quick manner.
Drummers - Please do NOT bring your own drum kit. Ideally, you should only need to bring your sticks
and cymbals. However, we know that many drummers have a particular snare or kick pedal that's
quintessential to their sound. Try not to bring anything more than would take you 3 minutes to set up.
When should we show up?
Be there by 7:45pm at the latest to check in. We'll make sure we have all the details for your act so we
can get you on stage and comfortable as fast as possible when it comes time for you to play.
Can I promote the show/tell my friends?
Please do - the more people in the audience, the more enjoyable the night is for everyone. You are
welcome to promote your appearance via myspace, facebook, email blasts, etc. This is a great stage with
professional sound/lights - many bands use their 3 songs here to get some high quality video and
photography for promotion. You'll look even better with a crowd of your fans cheering you on! Success
at the Roundhouse is determined by your musical prowess and the fans that you draw. Attached with
your information packet will be a ticket that can be printed by your fans. Have your fans bring in the
ticket to the door. They will then be privy to an exclusive refreshment offer as well as showing the
Roundhouse how many fans you brought in. Any bands that bring in 30 people or more will be asked to
appear on a weekend show as a headliner.
America's Historic Roundhouse: www.RH34.com
West 34 Home Page: www.West34.com