First, the history and facts on the open mic at Fig Tree. Run by a gentleman named James, this room has been going on one year. Signup is first come first choice, and talent gets 15 minutes. James keeps the room family-friendly, so no foul language. There is no stage, but by the side furthest from the entrance, three mics are set up. About 33 people can see the “stage” reasonably well, sitting on such nice furniture as couches and cushioned chairs. The room goes till 10pm. Fig Tree serves coffee, tea and some cold beverages. No alcohol. Parking is on the street. I arrived just after 6pm. Two signups were ahead of me, and I allowed a third performer to sign up before me. I ended up taking the fourth spot. By almost 7pm, people were signing up on a Wait List. The room started 7:05pm, and about 24 people were watching the show. While all talent is welcome, this room mostly draws musicians. I will say the mic was not very loud. Perhaps that was on purpose for the patrons not interested in the open mic but still wanting to stay in the comfort of the business. Looking around, I’d say the room was packed, and everyone there was watching the show. I went up about 7:35pm and did 11 minutes. I did not wait for the light, just got myself off. Honestly, I don’t remember the light ever coming out. I think people just played three songs and got off. Guys, yes, this room is a bit on the outskirts of the Sacramento area, but it’s no less a good room to do. First off, 15 minutes on stage is a nice slice of stage time. That you have to remain clean should only encourage you to do the room to prove you can do that much clean material. (Most paid gigs require clean comedy.) Second, the audience is very good and respects the talent on stage. They are not just listening, they are watching and being quiet while talent performs. No one heckled or gave anyone static. It’s a very supportive room. Give it a try. It can be one of many on a trip to our state capitol.
First, the history and facts on the open mic at Fig Tree. Run by a gentleman named James, this room has been going on one year. Signup is first come first choice, and talent gets 15 minutes. James keeps the room family-friendly, so no foul language. There is no stage, but by the side furthest from the entrance, three mics are set up. About 33 people can see the “stage” reasonably well, sitting on such nice furniture as couches and cushioned chairs. The room goes till 10pm. Fig Tree serves coffee, tea and some cold beverages. No alcohol. Parking is on the street.
ReplyDeleteI arrived just after 6pm. Two signups were ahead of me, and I allowed a third performer to sign up before me. I ended up taking the fourth spot. By almost 7pm, people were signing up on a Wait List. The room started 7:05pm, and about 24 people were watching the show. While all talent is welcome, this room mostly draws musicians. I will say the mic was not very loud. Perhaps that was on purpose for the patrons not interested in the open mic but still wanting to stay in the comfort of the business. Looking around, I’d say the room was packed, and everyone there was watching the show. I went up about 7:35pm and did 11 minutes. I did not wait for the light, just got myself off. Honestly, I don’t remember the light ever coming out. I think people just played three songs and got off.
Guys, yes, this room is a bit on the outskirts of the Sacramento area, but it’s no less a good room to do. First off, 15 minutes on stage is a nice slice of stage time. That you have to remain clean should only encourage you to do the room to prove you can do that much clean material. (Most paid gigs require clean comedy.) Second, the audience is very good and respects the talent on stage. They are not just listening, they are watching and being quiet while talent performs. No one heckled or gave anyone static. It’s a very supportive room. Give it a try. It can be one of many on a trip to our state capitol.