not a bad mic. decent room. you get to win prizes during the mic. I have one several. If you get the most laughs at the end of show you get a "guest spot" at his show at midnights on friday nights. but you have to stay on top of him in order to get it. I won the "guest spot" and never got to perform.
The "anonymous" person that left this "review" was the only person that this happened to due to a canceled show (so I know who you are). I offered this person a spot on a future show & told him to call me. Rather than call me he writes this. "Anonymous" you know you are wrong just by the fact that you are hiding your name. Stop crying & call me for your spot.
Though we have not posted our mic on this site yet, there is a great mic on Friday night at O'Hanlon's at 6:00 PM that is free (it fills up pretty fast, so we haven't advertised that much). O'Hanlon's does not charge artists to have shows or mics so I find it strange that the Wednesday mic costs money. I'm happy to write this as myself, and not anonymously: SUPPORT FREE SHOWS AND MICS! WE'RE LUCKY TO HAVE THEM!
Raffling off the money or giving out prizes is the lesser of two evils, but it still takes advantage of young talent if even some of the money goes to a host rather than to the venue that supports us all. It's time to ask where your comedy dollars are going. To the venue? Or to another comic? Thoughts?
Nothing wrong with paying for stage time - I think you have a point about free mics but if a comic wants to get on stage the clubs in essence are renting the space out to the comics. Just like a rehearsal studio rents space to actors or musicians. Nobody is taking advantage of young talent- that is a statement filled with victim mentality. Everybody sounds like victims in stand-up. If you are funny and committed you will get ahead if you arent committed you will stay stuck. I speak from my own experience of having destroyed a very promising career because of lack of commitment. Nobody ever did anything to me. I did it all myself.
I've been to the open mic on Wednesday at O'Hanlon's twice & both times I have found the mic to be well run, supportive & fun. Hector is a good host and is very personable. He runs the mic with his wife. Together they make a very comfortable environment. I won a great comedy CD and a drink. I also got some advice and a great tag from Hector. I like free open mics. I don't mind paying for a good one either.
Hector is the man and his wife is also a very nice woman. He runs a fun mic and offers prizes and a chance to win a legit spot on a booked show. I must say I am a fan of Hector Luis. ALso the new place is better than the NYCC because it is more intimate and you get real crowd members popping in and out
I'm sure Hector and his wife are fine people, but the fact remains: O'Hanlon's DOES NOT rent out their space for cash. If you want to support the bar, by all means, do so.
This is a bigger problem when dedication to the craft of stand-up means getting up multiple times a night. If you're not booked on a show (even if you are and want to test something at a mic) there are very few places that are absolutely free. Now there are fewer, since O'Hanlon's sponsors two paid mics per week instead of one free one. That's another great venue that COULD BE FREE, but costs money to get on.
Yeah, that's not cool. It'd be nice to hear Hector defend himself. Personally I try not to do paid mics where the money is going into the host's hands. I understand some venues require compensation for the space, but a comic making money off other comics is just wrong.
Comics had a strike in the '70s after Mitzi Shore refused to pay them $5 for a set at the Comedy Store. Now we've got mics where the comics have to pay $5. It's sad that some people have looked at new comics as a way to make a quick buck.
You don't have to pay for mic time in the city, period. Don't help guys who are using the open mic system to profit.
This Mic is really cool. For those who have left comments regarding paying for this mic -- all over the city, you will find mics that charge for stage time or a minimum of drinks. Just look at the other mics on this website and you will find that most of them do. BTW - I've also gone to the free mics and some are good, but most times I dont find the rooms very supportive. When you find a good place, you stick with it. This room has a great vibe and Hector is very nice. It is a great place to get constructive criticism as compared to some rooms where all you get are blank stares. I will definitely continue to go to this mic until I make it big!
Can someone please answer my question bout the under 21 situation this sounds like a great open mic, but I can only do it if there can be under 21 in the crowd.
O'Hanlon's is a bar, so they WILL ask for ID. The few times I've been inside, they did not ask me for ID, but I wouldn't rely on that. Just know that it's a bar and expect to be ID'd. The comedy show room is in the very back of the bar, so to get there you would walk through the front bar area.
This comment is to Josh Guranio and dan wiulber. Free open mics always suck, and are not the norm. If your upset about people making money off of comics, find a new business. Besides, I'm sure no one's making any money. Hector is an adult and I'm sure he has a good job. Your just a kid. Learn a little more about the scene before commenting in the future.
i hear the argument of pay versus free all the time. listen! i go to both. i've paid up to $10 bucks becuase i believe in my investment... myself! guess what else? i'm doing shows of 50 to 400+. i still go to paid, and free mics. i love it, love all the comic family! i've seen aspiring comics, about 6 of them put down the mic this year alone for good. it is free to live in a shelter, or on the street, but it cost money to live in a good neighborhood.. sure, i'll hang out around the shelter, and on a street corner, but i know i have to pay rent to rest my head, that being said believe in yourselves enough to pay just 5 bucks. hector keep doing you homey!
Free open mics always suck? How about Puppets or the now-defunct Five Points Variety Hour or Lucky Jack's or the Creek or the PIT or Marfa or Lorena Bobbit's Dick at Parkside or Legion Bar or any of the countless other free mics that you probably have never checked out.
Some paid mics are worth the money. Ochi's is a great time, the Village Lantern is fun, Comedy Corner has a very attentive crowd. But all of these mics either return the money to the comics or have to pay for the space. Hector is apparently pocketing the money. Why?
And to the anonymous poster who likened paying for stage time to living in a better neighborhood, you need to get to some of the free mics I've listed above.
I've been to many of the free mics you mention above & they're mostly filled with pretentious, self important, people,and cliques & you know what I don't see? minorities (could that be your motivation?). Meanwhile I'm a regular at hector's mics & I've seen people of many different backgrounds there for one common purpose: getting better at what we do.
That being said If you don't like the mic then DON'T GO TO IT! But do us all a favor & go write "reviews" for the mics you mentioned above. In other words if you don't like coke don't try to make us all drink pepsi. Hector is a gentleman who runs a really good, supportive, & inclusive mic. He gives out prizes, & free spots on his booked shows at comedy clubs! If you ever have a question about your set just ask him & he's always ready to help like he has helped me & my friends. Hector keep doing what you do! YOU ROCK!
My God people. Too many comedy cry babies. Want the scene to match their imaginations. Vote with your feet, fellas. If a mic sucks - the host pockets money, you don't like the people, drinks taste like poo...whatever!- just don't go. Silly, guys.
By the way all, you have to read this new book I just finished on how to do comedy by Dan Wilbur and Josh Guarino. It's called "Burning Bridges."
I'm not going to bother arguing with guys who can't even post their own names. Yeah, I'm a racist because I support mics where comics can ply their craft for free. Idiots.
The fact of the matter remains Hector's mic at O'Hanlon's bar Kicks F'n ass! His mic is an open forum where we all work on our craft. Yet it looks & feels like a show where bar patrons routinely pop in for a few laughs. There are very few mics like this in existence. So I choose to go to it. Definitely worth paying for!
I don't actually want to fight over this or anything, but for the sake of discussion, I never understood this fear of the "clique." I've heard a lot of people gripe about it, and as someone who doesn't particularly consider themselves part of any clique, because I'm not in High School, I genuinely don't think that has any effect on how your set is received at any mic. Whether that be The Creek, PIT or Legion or whatever.
If you are funny, you will get laughs. If you are unfunny, you won't get laughs. Even though I hate bombing at those places, I am glad I have the honest feedback.
Supporting free mics isn't about being a victim or whatever. It's purely about creating a better scene in New York. There is no need for paid mics and it creates a terrible community where people use each other.
Sure, I don't want to spend money on a mic if I don't have to, but for me, it's more about not supporting people taking advantage of new comics. The fact stands: there used to be a free mic here on Fridays that anyone could go up on and now there is a paid mic in it's place where someone is pocketing the money.
Hey, if you like Hector's mic, that's fine. But this whole idea of labeling Josh and Dan victims or whatever is silly.
I don't know about all this talk about taking advantage of new comics & what not. I do know that I went to the mic & was treated like I've been going there for years. Hector runs an amazing mic. There's prizes & He gives spots on shows that I don't have to bring people for.
These people are acting like Hector invented paying for a mic. You can tell he puts time & MONEY into the mic for instance the prizes he gives out.
I like the vibe he has at his mic & the fact that he is very supportive and helpful. For my money this is the best mic in the city.
Josh Gaurino, You are the one who is the ball licker! If you don't like the mic, most likely, the mic doesn't fuckin' like you. It's people like you, showing up to Mics that ruine humor for all of humanity.
This is a great Mic. Hector is a good host, the crowd is usually pretty supportive and O'Hanlon's has cheap drinks. What's with the people bitching about how much it costs? Really? Can either of you guys honestly say you've been to free mic that wasn't atrocious? No. At least, not in NYC. And at all the "Free" Mics I've been to you still have to buy a drink.
Josh, Dan, maybe you should quit comedy if throwing a fiver down every now and again is leaving you out on the street. Or, ya know, write good jokes and you won't have to do Mics anymore!
I don't remember saying that comics should not pay for mics ever. I merely proposed that comics ask where their money goes, and support more free mics if they'd like free mics to continue. I also did not attack anyone who wishes to go to this mic or any other, I just hope that people realize they need not give money to another comic to support their own craft.
I said it before: the venue has bills to pay, buy a drink. But no matter how good a room is, if someone is taking your money because he or she feels like it, you're getting ripped off. You're going to end up spending plenty of money in support of your career, but the fewer paid mics you do, the less you'll regret it later.
If you run a mic and 20 people go, and they each pay $5, you're making $100 a week. 52 weeks a year: someone just pocketed $5,200 for YOU to perform. If you're OK with that, then go ahead.
One more thing...No matter how many shows I do, I would like to perform as much as possible, and that means doing open mics. But if I pay five dollars a day for that, I'm spending about $1,800 a year.
1. There are several open mics that are completely free and don't charge anything. I should know, I help run one of them. Do we suggest supporting the bar? Of course, why shouldn't we? We will, however never turn away anyone for not buying one. If you can, great, if not, you still get up. And we're not the only mic that works that way. The P.I.T., the creek, spike hill, limerick, and marfa all operate based on the concept. And it works.
2. New York is one of the only cities that charges people to do comedy in the world. I started in South Florida and never spent one cent to get up. The same goes for my friends that started in Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston, and Detroit. No one makes money off the mics but no one loses it either. For those people who support the free mics over the paid ones, I have to wonder, did you also cheer for the Empire over the rebels in Star Wars? I'm used to raging against the machine, but what's it like feeding it? For hundreds of years people have performed without ever paying a cent. Court jesters didn't give the king five pence to do a set. Why should you?
3. Gonzalo, Dan, and Josh are all funny guys who have been booked before. I've never seen a lineup before featuring "Anonymous". I'm more inclined to trust the opinion of guys I know who have put the work in and have gotten the laughs as a result. I've also seen those three guys at open mics. I've never seen "Anonymous" even go up. Where did "Anonymous" even start comedy? Parts Unknown? When "Anonymous" goes up does he have those scrambly bars they used to hide peoples faces on Cops? These are serious questions.
5 bucks really hahaha we got about 30 comments and everyone is piggy backin 5 bucks you gotta be kidding me I would pay endless amounts of money to be discovered
i think its a good mic. when i've been doing this for awhile then maybe i'll have an educated opinion about whether paid mics are good or bad. but for now, i got to go on stage with an attentive crowd and do my thing. it was fun, i tried out new shit and got just a little bit better. i'm not sure what else i could want from a mic.
I'll chime in here as a PAID host doing comedy in the city. What's wrong with me hosting an open mic and getting paid to do it. I've just spent countless hours promoting the mic. I've spent hours emailing and confirming comics about getting on the mic. And I'm now spending 2 hours HOSTING the mic. I should get paid. And if that money comes from the comics performing, then so be it. You're right, comedians shouldn't have to pay to perform. But this is New York. There are 10 comics for every spot. It's only 5 bucks. Suck it up, pay your dues and quit acting like your something special when nobody knows who the fuck you are. It took me 5 years to start making money as a comic. And I've paid a lot more then $5.00 to do it.
I run a free mic where people show up and they get on. i put a facebook post the day before, come to the mic ten minutes before it starts and leave 5 minutes after and on average we get twenty to thirty performers. This takes about two and a half hours out of my week, tops. Lets not pretend that this is really hard work. It only is if you make it out to be.
writing class $400 - 8 weeks - maybe get 5 minutes of usable material open mike $5.00 - 80 times - maybe get 10 minutes of usable material (these are not hard facts but I think open mikes are worth every penny)
If you only do paid mics, and you do one every day of the week, that's $5 x 7 = $35.
Now let's look at that over a year: $35 x 52 = $1,820.
Now let's say you need to have at least five years of open mics under your belt before you can truly say you're a full-fledged comic: $1,820 x 5 = $9,100.
If he's not paying for the space, and if the rumors are true about him giving out burned DVD's as prizes which saves him from buying actual comedy DVD's and albums, Hector makes at least $400 a month off his open mics. He's making at least $4,800 a year.
Hector puts comics on pro shows. Can you or any free mic do that? Hector, you're a good guy keep doing what you do. And after all is said & done he has helped more comedians than any of you could. Ask around. Great mic worth every penny.
sorry for the annonymous post, but why is everyone complaining about paying for mic time? If 5-20 bucks is gonna put that big of a dent in your wallet, you shouldnt be trying your hand at stand up on a Wednesday night.. you should be trying to get some over time... or maybe slang some hand jobs on the subway..
Thanks Josh for extrapolating on my theory. I like my theories to be extrapolated on. I just watched one of the comics who says "free mics" are the only way to go. It was a great advertisement for paid mics.
I think its interesting that Hector is catching all this shit for his paid mic when quite a few mics have a charge for them. it's a decent mic, if you have 5 bucks to spare, do it. if you are doing this sorta thing, you have probably spent money on drinks at clubs, maybe a class or two and to see some bringer shows for friends, get over the 5 bucks or only doing free mics.
the one negative about hector's thing is that the winner of the big prize for best spot of the night gets a spot in a crappy bringer show (not his "industry" show which i know nothing about whether it is good or bad)
inexperienced comics are a dime a dozen and we pretty much are gonna get fucked no matter what.
oh, like my last post wasn't long enough. i agree more with the kramer guy than josh, but there really isn't any need for a cheap shot about his act. grow up. either his point about hector's mic is right or not, no need to make it personal.
Man, maybe I should start going to paid mics more often. I mean, you're getting booked for actual shows all the time, right?!
Lord knows this city is abuzz about the schizophrenic clown who lights all the comedy clubs ablaze with his riveting recitations of the words "cunt" and "bitch".
How about we use these comment boxes to review mics and not bash eachother?
Since this one is already a Springer episode, Let me just say f*ck you and your overinflated ego Josh Guarino. Mike Kramer is 10x funnier than you'll ever be and he's also a damn nice person. Funny I don't see your name on too many lineups I wonder why??
I don't see your name on too many lineups either, Anonymous, you know, since you don't have the balls to sign your name. And since Mike chose to insult me, it's only fair that I return the favor. He apologized and I accept it.
Fellas fellas fellas! We are being divided and conquered! We're all starving artists; some choose to pay for our "practice", others choose not to. But we're all brothers in arms... don't let this silliness divide us. Josh and Mike, you are both real nice guys who hate the phoniness you see so much around you, I know this.
Hector runs a good mic in a fun, supportive atmosphere. He is a good man who has helped many people get stage time. He gives out prizes and keeps things fun. It gets filled up so be sure to prebook if you want to go up early. I like the fact that everybody who shows up gets to go up.
I can see this as being a really great "open mic", but you do need to get an earlier slot, as people don't tend to stick for the last two or three guys, so the room was a bit sparse.
But I am looking forward to going there again, with an earlier slot.
Want to hear something funny? This has made me realize that the argument between free vs. paid mics is the same as young vs. old. Dan Wilbur, Josh Guarino, Gonzalo and I are all on the same side and are some of the only people in this thread who know how to set up blogspot accounts. Why? Because we're all the exact same age: 23. 23, that's older than Buddy Holly was when he retired.
When you're a struggling artist living in the most expensive American city regularly paying for mics is probably the worst idea you could have. When you're a middle aged New Yorker living comfortably $5 is 1/10 of what you paid a 1984 hooker to give you a handjob in Times Square.
Speaking of Times Square I have nothing bad to say about Hector, because I know him well. We barked in Times Square together for over a year and that shit will make you bond. If he's giving out prizes (I assume comedy CDs and DVDs) then that's productive and something $5 is good for.
I've done much more humiliating things in order to simply crack jokes on stage than pay $5. Barking, bringing, barbacking, following Charlie (CALLBACK). Do you have any idea how many times I've mopped the floor at the PIT? 15! 15 times! Fuck you and you're complaining! THIS is what fame looks like!
If I may interject, I too am a bit of an open mic enthusiast. It seems to me that if comedy can be free, then it must be free. Yes, you may not have a problem forking over five dollars to some husk, but others who don't show up to mics in a full suit and tie do.
In defense of pals Lawrence, Grubard, Guarino and Gonzalo, I'd like to say: There is no such thing as burning bridges in comedy. Be proud to attach your name to your opinion. If you are funny and work hard, everyone will, in time, want to sponge off you. No matter what mic you go to, your talent, whatever there is of it, will be discovered and utilized. You will get exactly what you earn.
All that said, I am certain the rest of you are awful.
Signed, Danny Solomon
p.s. Thank you Donnelly for bringing this thread to my attention!
Good room. I advise to pre-book. Hector is nice and it's a great mic, but I do think most would rather not pay the $5 and skip on the raffling away of prizes.
Hector's been giving prizes since maui taco. Sometimes you win something cool. I like the mic, the host and the prizes. Most of all I like the vibe. Well worth the 5 bucks.
I did Hector's Wednesday and Friday open mics. They were small (a reviewer might say "intimate") but very friendly, professional and supportive. Hector is both funny and warm and keeps the show going well. I was a visitor in New York and I found it better than comparable open mics in bars in Michigan, although nothing beats a comedy club audience. I'll come again when I get back tot he Apple.
Was there last night for the first time. Great room and Hector's handle was excellent. The show actually got a little more "interactive" then is normal, but Hector's control over the room was superb and the interactions were actually funny and well received. A good mix of comics, including a first-timer. I was actually there as a non-performer, but have been to plenty of rooms to realize this is one to come back to.
Just got back from the open mic run by Hector. What a great experience. Everyone was very nice, some funny, some not so much. But, an open mic well worth doing. I look forward to doing it again the next time I come to NYC. I expect my husband (who's staying in NYC) to become a regular.
I want to take this opportunity to welcome everyone who reads this to come down & have some fun every Saturday night at 10PM. It's free for all comedians with no drink minimums! We also raffle off a couple of "fishbowl spots" every show so be ready to perform! See you Saturdays at 10PM at O'Hanlon's Bar! For reservations or more info. go to www.HECTORLUIS.com
This mic is a good one, Hector is a class act and the atmosphere is great. He gives out prizes during the show, and everybody there really watches the comics hardly anybody writing their sets and adjusting their flipcams
hey! all of you including hector's big ass, shut the fuck up! bottom line! good mic or bad mic? all tht other bullshit, meet up somewhere and put the gloves on because you sound like you want to fight. -maniac red hook bloods. Im everywhere.
If you have gotten through all the BS above and want an honest opinion of this room, IT IS GREAT! It is warm and doesn't have that "clique" feeling that most other mics have. Yes it is $5, yes it is worth it. Period. Barbara Perez
1 of my favorite mics by far. Great atmosphere. Feels like a high school lunchroom sometimes. Havent been there in a while but i will definetly make my way through. ~Hookah Guy
I am a comic from the West and had NEVER heard of a paid open mic... NEVER! WOW, what a trip. If that was my show out here I would take all or some of the money and reward the best comic of the night by audience reaction. Guess what, the comic that brings the most people (the objective anyway) will probably win. A great way to recognize and everybody wins. Hay, share the wealth right? OBAMA!
like hectors mics. tuesday and wednesday are the busiest. so sign up at least 4-5 days beforehand. the room is really good for comedy. tons of furniture including couches. low ceiling, dim lighting = what comedy rooms need.
as far as the "whether or not to pay for mics"-debate. Some mics are worth paying for. This i think is one of them. It is hard to find such a real comedy-club experience elsewhere. If you go to free mics, there is usually something wrong with them. Either the host is bad, there isnt a stage, there isn't a mic (it happened once), or the turnout is pathetic. At hectors mics, you get consistency. thats a good thing.
if you're paying for open mics, you're probably not that wise and/or aggressive. there are plenty of mics in the city that are both free and helpful. as a relatively new comic, i can attest to this. Ironically enough, paid mics tend to be crappier than free ones. I suppose peeps are simply tired of paying when alternatives exist.
You pay for every mic, whether it's in time, money or self-esteem. You're going to pay. So why not save where you can?
Tried this mic for the first time the other night. Great host, good atmosphere, supportive, and fun. There are drawings, which is a nice way to break things up a bit. I would definitely recommend this mic.
I tried this mic last night too. He said I was his first but I see he had someone else last night too. And he broke things up by showing you his drawings too??? :( He said I was supportive and fun :(... I felt bad for him I gave him $5 and I bought a drink too.
enough with the drama....
Paying to do comedy is like being a model and being told you have to pay for your own pictures. It like being a slave and hmmm wait even the slaves didn't have to pay to work.
Peter "the straight hair guy who wants to be a comedian"
a)models have to pay for headshots. b) doesnt a host deserve to be compensated for his time if he's providing a service on a weekly basis? this is an obligation for 2 people to run weekly that $100 a week isnt makin anyone rich but it does give extra incentive for a man to take a few hours out of his week to do something he loves and provide an opportunity for others to do the same. my names chris, ive never done one of hectors mics but ive met him and he seems like a nice enough guy. why begrudge the man a couple of bucks?
Hector is a struggling comic like all of us, and as such should understand the financial hardships comics face. Hector, however, misses this and instead views his peers as objects to make money off of. Most comics feel an innate, human desire to support each other and provide opportunities for free comedy all around NYC and all other cities in the country. While Hector is definitely free to charge what he wants, all it shows is a lack of conscious and empathy for his peers. I personally couldn't imagine walking around with money that belongs to dozens of my so called friends and peers. I would feel guilty and dirty. Does this make me a saint? Yes. Does this make me similar to most other comics on the NY scene? Yes. That is why Hector's business irks so many people on this message board, because the NY comedy scene is an incredibly generous, supportive and loving community and Hector's greed and value of money above all is a force of evil in our world.
Almost every mic in the city costs $3-$6. An open mic in nothing more than a rehearsal space for an unfinishe play reading. Don't think of it as anythign more than that. NYC has expensive real estate. If you look at what it costs to rent stages and rehearsal spaces anywhere in NYC you will see why nearly all mics costs some money to perform. You are paying for stage time... if you were trying to get better at hitting a baseball you'd have to pay to using a batting cage too. Deal with it.
Hector's greed is a force of evil in the world? He runs a mike - does a nice job - wants to make a few bucks. Hector is one of the nicest guys and why people go after him when there are other mikes charging $10 or charging $5.00 plus a drink is beyond me. Leave him alone - youre making me cry.
Mic has good crowd on Wednesday, but the audience is completely dead. Nobody laughs because they are all competitive as winner gets a free spot on saturday when nobody will watch them.
I've known Hector for a long time and he's a good dude. I would prefer that all mikes were free, but of every one that isn't, anything Hector does is the best by a long shot.
+1 for Danny Soloman's post; best one in this massive, ridiculous thread.
I cant believe how many comics are attacking Hector because he charges $5 for a mic. Really?!?
Yet these attackers are the same dumb asses who run to do a bringer show because they think someone is watching and going to discover them, only to find out they suck and thier friends got raped on a $15 cover charge and expensive drinks for a lousy show!!!
You attack Hector because you can get away with it!!!....Hes just a nice guy who runs a mic in a bar. You may not agree with his $5 charge (thats fine) but he doesnt lie!! he doesnt deceive comics!!! what you see is what you get!!
You Pussies!!!You take his kindness for weakness!!!
Yet you dont have the balls to attack the real greedy individuals in this game.Please take the time to really study the open mic calendar!!
If you have to buy a drink to get on stage, cool! If you have to pay a fee to get on stage, cool!...........However, if you have to buy a drink and pay $$$....are you nuts!!! that means the drink goes to the bar, and the $$$ goes in the hosts pocket!!!!...u got fucked twice!!
but Hector is the evil one.....right!?!?
buy a drink + $2....buy a beverage + $3....buy an item + $3...(its for my kids college fund!...wink).
You attack Hector because he has nothing to offer (except kindness, honesty, a well run mic, and occasionaly he shares his weed).
You Pussies!! you dont attack these other rip off mics and bullshit bringer shows because they take place in a comedy club!....and god forbid if you tell them they suck because then they wont like you, and you wont get passed.....right!!! Pussy!!
Lets attack Hector, we have nothing to lose!! I'll just continue getting raped in the ass by these bullshit bringers and over charged mics and smile,because I want to get passed some day.
Dont judge a mic by its price (Free or not) Judge the mic by its quality!!
How is this mic for someone new. I've only been on stage 4 times since April because I have a full time plus job and three kids. Right now just a hobby for me but hopefully down the line I will have more time for it. Let me know.
i'd rather pay hector $5 than do 1 of these fakes free mics which i will not name (zroom), or be really raped at bway ($3 AND A DRINK), at least here im close to home!! and hey at least Hectors fuckin microphone works unlike some clubs. But do gotta admit Josh and the others brought up a good point. Just wish this 1 was free, then id give it 10mics up. But now it only gets 7mics up
$5 to get on a real stage, work with a good crowd, and have some honest feedback....and people are crying over this!?!? Wow, that is scary. Hector does a great job, actually cares about the comics, and is consistently running a good show. Stop bitching, the $5 is a choice, you dont have to do it. But I highly recommend it, and support this open mic %100. -Sean Powell
not a bad mic. decent room. you get to win prizes during the mic. I have one several. If you get the most laughs at the end of show you get a "guest spot" at his show at midnights on friday nights. but you have to stay on top of him in order to get it. I won the "guest spot" and never got to perform.
ReplyDeletealso be careful of the old guy who always goes up first.
ReplyDeleteThe "anonymous" person that left this "review" was the only person that this happened to due to a canceled show (so I know who you are). I offered this person a spot on a future show & told him to call me. Rather than call me he writes this. "Anonymous" you know you are wrong just by the fact that you are hiding your name. Stop crying & call me for your spot.
ReplyDelete- HECTOR LUIS
The "old guy" is Charlie and he's everywhere.
ReplyDeleteThough we have not posted our mic on this site yet, there is a great mic on Friday night at O'Hanlon's at 6:00 PM that is free (it fills up pretty fast, so we haven't advertised that much). O'Hanlon's does not charge artists to have shows or mics so I find it strange that the Wednesday mic costs money. I'm happy to write this as myself, and not anonymously: SUPPORT FREE SHOWS AND MICS! WE'RE LUCKY TO HAVE THEM!
ReplyDeleteRaffling off the money or giving out prizes is the lesser of two evils, but it still takes advantage of young talent if even some of the money goes to a host rather than to the venue that supports us all. It's time to ask where your comedy dollars are going. To the venue? Or to another comic? Thoughts?
Nothing wrong with paying for stage time - I think you have a point about free mics but if a comic wants to get on stage the clubs in essence are renting the space out to the comics. Just like a rehearsal studio rents space to actors or musicians. Nobody is taking advantage of young talent- that is a statement filled with victim mentality. Everybody sounds like victims in stand-up. If you are funny and committed you will get ahead if you arent committed you will stay stuck. I speak from my own experience of having destroyed a very promising career because of lack of commitment. Nobody ever did anything to me. I did it all myself.
ReplyDeleteI've been to the open mic on Wednesday at O'Hanlon's twice & both times I have found the mic to be well run, supportive & fun. Hector is a good host and is very personable. He runs the mic with his wife. Together they make a very comfortable environment. I won a great comedy CD and a drink. I also got some advice and a great tag from Hector. I like free open mics. I don't mind paying for a good one either.
ReplyDeletehector runs one of the better mikes, easily worth the 5 dollaroons
ReplyDeletehow is O'Hanlon for new blood, Ive done couple of open mic nights in New Jersey but looking to try it out in NYC.
ReplyDeleteYou picked a good room to try it out in N.Y.C.
ReplyDeleteSupportive, fun, & well run. Great vibe & cheap drinks.
also do you have to be 21 to come to watch, Ive never performed at a bar, my gf wants to come watch but shes 20........
ReplyDeleteHector is the man and his wife is also a very nice woman. He runs a fun mic and offers prizes and a chance to win a legit spot on a booked show. I must say I am a fan of Hector Luis. ALso the new place is better than the NYCC because it is more intimate and you get real crowd members popping in and out
ReplyDeletecant anyone answer my question about the under 21 situation
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Hector and his wife are fine people, but the fact remains: O'Hanlon's DOES NOT rent out their space for cash. If you want to support the bar, by all means, do so.
ReplyDeleteThis is a bigger problem when dedication to the craft of stand-up means getting up multiple times a night. If you're not booked on a show (even if you are and want to test something at a mic) there are very few places that are absolutely free. Now there are fewer, since O'Hanlon's sponsors two paid mics per week instead of one free one. That's another great venue that COULD BE FREE, but costs money to get on.
Yeah, that's not cool. It'd be nice to hear Hector defend himself. Personally I try not to do paid mics where the money is going into the host's hands. I understand some venues require compensation for the space, but a comic making money off other comics is just wrong.
ReplyDeleteComics had a strike in the '70s after Mitzi Shore refused to pay them $5 for a set at the Comedy Store. Now we've got mics where the comics have to pay $5. It's sad that some people have looked at new comics as a way to make a quick buck.
You don't have to pay for mic time in the city, period. Don't help guys who are using the open mic system to profit.
This Mic is really cool. For those who have left comments regarding paying for this mic -- all over the city, you will find mics that charge for stage time or a minimum of drinks. Just look at the other mics on this website and you will find that most of them do. BTW - I've also gone to the free mics and some are good, but most times I dont find the rooms very supportive. When you find a good place, you stick with it. This room has a great vibe and Hector is very nice. It is a great place to get constructive criticism as compared to some rooms where all you get are blank stares. I will definitely continue to go to this mic until I make it big!
ReplyDeleteCan someone please answer my question bout the under 21 situation this sounds like a great open mic, but I can only do it if there can be under 21 in the crowd.
ReplyDeleteO'Hanlon's is a bar, so they WILL ask for ID. The few times I've been inside, they did not ask me for ID, but I wouldn't rely on that. Just know that it's a bar and expect to be ID'd. The comedy show room is in the very back of the bar, so to get there you would walk through the front bar area.
ReplyDeleteoh thats really too bad this sounds like a great open mic, ill definitely hit it up eventually but I'll have to find another one in the city for now
ReplyDeleteThis comment is to Josh Guranio and dan wiulber. Free open mics always suck, and are not the norm. If your upset about people making money off of comics, find a new business. Besides, I'm sure no one's making any money. Hector is an adult and I'm sure he has a good job. Your just a kid. Learn a little more about the scene before commenting in the future.
ReplyDeletei hear the argument of pay versus free all the time. listen! i go to both. i've paid up to $10 bucks becuase i believe in my investment... myself! guess what else? i'm doing shows of 50 to 400+. i still go to paid, and free mics. i love it, love all the comic family! i've seen aspiring comics, about 6 of them put down the mic this year alone for good. it is free to live in a shelter, or on the street, but it cost money to live in a good neighborhood.. sure, i'll hang out around the shelter, and on a street corner, but i know i have to pay rent to rest my head, that being said believe in yourselves enough to pay just 5 bucks. hector keep doing you homey!
ReplyDeleteDanger Dave,
ReplyDeleteFree open mics always suck? How about Puppets or the now-defunct Five Points Variety Hour or Lucky Jack's or the Creek or the PIT or Marfa or Lorena Bobbit's Dick at Parkside or Legion Bar or any of the countless other free mics that you probably have never checked out.
Some paid mics are worth the money. Ochi's is a great time, the Village Lantern is fun, Comedy Corner has a very attentive crowd. But all of these mics either return the money to the comics or have to pay for the space. Hector is apparently pocketing the money. Why?
And to the anonymous poster who likened paying for stage time to living in a better neighborhood, you need to get to some of the free mics I've listed above.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
ReplyDeleteI've been to many of the free mics you mention above & they're mostly filled with pretentious, self important, people,and cliques & you know what I don't see? minorities (could that be your motivation?). Meanwhile I'm a regular at hector's mics & I've seen people of many different backgrounds there for one common purpose: getting better at what we do.
That being said If you don't like the mic then DON'T GO TO IT! But do us all a favor & go write "reviews" for the mics you mentioned above. In other words if you don't like coke don't try to make us all drink pepsi. Hector is a gentleman who runs a really good, supportive, & inclusive mic. He gives out prizes, & free spots on his booked shows at comedy clubs! If you ever have a question about your set just ask him & he's always ready to help like he has helped me & my friends. Hector keep doing what you do! YOU ROCK!
My God people. Too many comedy cry babies. Want the scene to match their imaginations. Vote with your feet, fellas. If a mic sucks - the host pockets money, you don't like the people, drinks taste like poo...whatever!- just don't go. Silly, guys.
ReplyDeleteBy the way all, you have to read this new book I just finished on how to do comedy by Dan Wilbur and Josh Guarino. It's called "Burning Bridges."
I'm not going to bother arguing with guys who can't even post their own names. Yeah, I'm a racist because I support mics where comics can ply their craft for free. Idiots.
ReplyDeleteThe fact of the matter remains Hector's mic at O'Hanlon's bar
ReplyDeleteKicks F'n ass! His mic is an open forum where we all work on our craft. Yet it looks & feels like a show where bar patrons routinely pop in for a few laughs.
There are very few mics like this in existence. So I choose to go to it. Definitely worth paying for!
I don't actually want to fight over this or anything, but for the sake of discussion, I never understood this fear of the "clique." I've heard a lot of people gripe about it, and as someone who doesn't particularly consider themselves part of any clique, because I'm not in High School, I genuinely don't think that has any effect on how your set is received at any mic. Whether that be The Creek, PIT or Legion or whatever.
ReplyDeleteIf you are funny, you will get laughs. If you are unfunny, you won't get laughs. Even though I hate bombing at those places, I am glad I have the honest feedback.
Supporting free mics isn't about being a victim or whatever. It's purely about creating a better scene in New York. There is no need for paid mics and it creates a terrible community where people use each other.
Sure, I don't want to spend money on a mic if I don't have to, but for me, it's more about not supporting people taking advantage of new comics. The fact stands: there used to be a free mic here on Fridays that anyone could go up on and now there is a paid mic in it's place where someone is pocketing the money.
Hey, if you like Hector's mic, that's fine. But this whole idea of labeling Josh and Dan victims or whatever is silly.
DID ANYONE REALIZE THAT THIS PAGE IS FOR REVIEWS OF A MIC NOT A CHAT ROOM!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about all this talk about taking advantage of new comics & what not. I do know that I went to the mic & was treated like I've been going there for years.
ReplyDeleteHector runs an amazing mic. There's prizes & He gives spots on shows that I don't have to bring people for.
These people are acting like Hector invented paying for a mic. You can tell he puts time & MONEY into the mic for instance the prizes he gives out.
I like the vibe he has at his mic & the fact that he is very supportive and helpful. For my money this is the best mic in the city.
Josh Gaurino,
ReplyDeleteYou are the one who is the ball licker! If you don't like the mic, most likely, the mic doesn't fuckin' like you. It's people like you, showing up to Mics that ruine humor for all of humanity.
THIS PAGE IS FOR REVIEWS OF A MIC NOT A CHAT ROOM!
ReplyDeleteHey, guys, how's it going? A/S/L?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait until Wednesday comes around just for this mic!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great Mic. Hector is a good host, the crowd is usually pretty supportive and O'Hanlon's has cheap drinks. What's with the people bitching about how much it costs? Really? Can either of you guys honestly say you've been to free mic that wasn't atrocious? No. At least, not in NYC. And at all the "Free" Mics I've been to you still have to buy a drink.
ReplyDeleteJosh, Dan, maybe you should quit comedy if throwing a fiver down every now and again is leaving you out on the street. Or, ya know, write good jokes and you won't have to do Mics anymore!
Happy Hunting,
A comic that doesn't suck.
I don't remember saying that comics should not pay for mics ever. I merely proposed that comics ask where their money goes, and support more free mics if they'd like free mics to continue. I also did not attack anyone who wishes to go to this mic or any other, I just hope that people realize they need not give money to another comic to support their own craft.
ReplyDeleteI said it before: the venue has bills to pay, buy a drink. But no matter how good a room is, if someone is taking your money because he or she feels like it, you're getting ripped off. You're going to end up spending plenty of money in support of your career, but the fewer paid mics you do, the less you'll regret it later.
If you run a mic and 20 people go, and they each pay $5, you're making $100 a week. 52 weeks a year: someone just pocketed $5,200 for YOU to perform. If you're OK with that, then go ahead.
One more thing...No matter how many shows I do, I would like to perform as much as possible, and that means doing open mics. But if I pay five dollars a day for that, I'm spending about $1,800 a year.
Dan "Dicklick" Wilbur
1. There are several open mics that are completely free and don't charge anything. I should know, I help run one of them. Do we suggest supporting the bar? Of course, why shouldn't we? We will, however never turn away anyone for not buying one. If you can, great, if not, you still get up. And we're not the only mic that works that way. The P.I.T., the creek, spike hill, limerick, and marfa all operate based on the concept. And it works.
ReplyDelete2. New York is one of the only cities that charges people to do comedy in the world. I started in South Florida and never spent one cent to get up. The same goes for my friends that started in Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston, and Detroit. No one makes money off the mics but no one loses it either. For those people who support the free mics over the paid ones, I have to wonder, did you also cheer for the Empire over the rebels in Star Wars? I'm used to raging against the machine, but what's it like feeding it? For hundreds of years people have performed without ever paying a cent. Court jesters didn't give the king five pence to do a set. Why should you?
3. Gonzalo, Dan, and Josh are all funny guys who have been booked before. I've never seen a lineup before featuring "Anonymous". I'm more inclined to trust the opinion of guys I know who have put the work in and have gotten the laughs as a result. I've also seen those three guys at open mics. I've never seen "Anonymous" even go up. Where did "Anonymous" even start comedy? Parts Unknown? When "Anonymous" goes up does he have those scrambly bars they used to hide peoples faces on Cops? These are serious questions.
After all the bullshit & talk of court jesters & pay or not.
ReplyDeleteThere is one basic truth ..............
THIS MIC FUCKIN' ROCKS!
So take your opinions & essays & whatever & realize that THIS MIC FUCKIN' ROCKS!
JESTERS NEVER PAID TO DO COMEDY BUT WERE KILLED FOR NOT BEING FUNNY. SHOULD WE BRING THAT BACK TOO?
ReplyDeleteYes,we should. It would make mics a lot better.
ReplyDeleteAlso,if you're annonymous and trying to hide who you are why are you typing in all caps? Doesn't that hurt your cover?
5 bucks really hahaha we got about 30 comments and everyone is piggy backin 5 bucks you gotta be kidding me I would pay endless amounts of money to be discovered
ReplyDeletei just read this whole thing..wow...alot of opinions one thing remains...who thinks slava is very tall
ReplyDeletei think its a good mic. when i've been doing this for awhile then maybe i'll have an educated opinion about whether paid mics are good or bad. but for now, i got to go on stage with an attentive crowd and do my thing. it was fun, i tried out new shit and got just a little bit better. i'm not sure what else i could want from a mic.
ReplyDeleteI'll chime in here as a PAID host doing comedy in the city. What's wrong with me hosting an open mic and getting paid to do it. I've just spent countless hours promoting the mic. I've spent hours emailing and confirming comics about getting on the mic. And I'm now spending 2 hours HOSTING the mic. I should get paid. And if that money comes from the comics performing, then so be it. You're right, comedians shouldn't have to pay to perform. But this is New York. There are 10 comics for every spot. It's only 5 bucks. Suck it up, pay your dues and quit acting like your something special when nobody knows who the fuck you are. It took me 5 years to start making money as a comic. And I've paid a lot more then $5.00 to do it.
ReplyDeleteGreat mic btw.
I run a free mic where people show up and they get on. i put a facebook post the day before, come to the mic ten minutes before it starts and leave 5 minutes after and on average we get twenty to thirty performers. This takes about two and a half hours out of my week, tops. Lets not pretend that this is really hard work. It only is if you make it out to be.
ReplyDeletewriting class $400 - 8 weeks - maybe get 5 minutes of usable material
ReplyDeleteopen mike $5.00 - 80 times - maybe get 10 minutes of usable material
(these are not hard facts but I think open mikes are worth every penny)
Let's extrapolate Mike Kramer's theory further:
ReplyDeleteOne paid mic = $5.
If you only do paid mics, and you do one every day of the week, that's $5 x 7 = $35.
Now let's look at that over a year: $35 x 52 = $1,820.
Now let's say you need to have at least five years of open mics under your belt before you can truly say you're a full-fledged comic: $1,820 x 5 = $9,100.
If he's not paying for the space, and if the rumors are true about him giving out burned DVD's as prizes which saves him from buying actual comedy DVD's and albums, Hector makes at least $400 a month off his open mics. He's making at least $4,800 a year.
Is that really fair?
Hector puts comics on pro shows. Can you or any free mic do that?
ReplyDeleteHector, you're a good guy keep doing what you do.
And after all is said & done he has helped more comedians than any of you could. Ask around.
Great mic worth every penny.
"&"
ReplyDeleteWe know it's you, Hector.
Great room. All the comics showed plenty of love to each other. I'll definitely try to become a repeat offender until I'm calling Hector Tio.
ReplyDeletesorry for the annonymous post, but why is everyone complaining about paying for mic time? If 5-20 bucks is gonna put that big of a dent in your wallet, you shouldnt be trying your hand at stand up on a Wednesday night.. you should be trying to get some over time... or maybe slang some hand jobs on the subway..
ReplyDelete$5 bucks?? C'monnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
I was going to go to this mic today, but after reading all these "reviews," I ran out of time!
ReplyDeleteThanks Josh for extrapolating on my theory. I like my theories to be extrapolated on.
ReplyDeleteI just watched one of the comics who says "free mics" are the only way to go.
It was a great advertisement for paid mics.
Thanks Josh for the math - I am glad you can "extrapolate" . I saw one of your clips on YouTube and I must say it inspired me to keep doing paid mics.
ReplyDeleteI think its interesting that Hector is catching all this shit for his paid mic when quite a few mics have a charge for them. it's a decent mic, if you have 5 bucks to spare, do it. if you are doing this sorta thing, you have probably spent money on drinks at clubs, maybe a class or two and to see some bringer shows for friends, get over the 5 bucks or only doing free mics.
ReplyDeletethe one negative about hector's thing is that the winner of the big prize for best spot of the night gets a spot in a crappy bringer show (not his "industry" show which i know nothing about whether it is good or bad)
inexperienced comics are a dime a dozen and we pretty much are gonna get fucked no matter what.
oh, like my last post wasn't long enough. i agree more with the kramer guy than josh, but there really isn't any need for a cheap shot about his act. grow up. either his point about hector's mic is right or not, no need to make it personal.
ReplyDeleteHow do you get to Carnegie Hall???
ReplyDeleteN,Q,R to 57th st.
ReplyDeletethis was so much fun to read!
ReplyDeleteHey Mike,
ReplyDeleteMan, maybe I should start going to paid mics more often. I mean, you're getting booked for actual shows all the time, right?!
Lord knows this city is abuzz about the schizophrenic clown who lights all the comedy clubs ablaze with his riveting recitations of the words "cunt" and "bitch".
You are right Josh- I"m not and I shouldn't have made the comment.
ReplyDeleteSorry about that.
How about we use these comment boxes to review mics and not bash eachother?
ReplyDeleteSince this one is already a Springer episode, Let me just say f*ck you and your overinflated ego Josh Guarino. Mike Kramer is 10x funnier than you'll ever be and he's also a damn nice person. Funny I don't see your name on too many lineups I wonder why??
I don't see your name on too many lineups either, Anonymous, you know, since you don't have the balls to sign your name. And since Mike chose to insult me, it's only fair that I return the favor. He apologized and I accept it.
ReplyDeleteThanks to you who commented at 6:40 - I appreciate that and hope you enjoyed the sunrise.
ReplyDeleteFellas fellas fellas! We are being divided and conquered! We're all starving artists; some choose to pay for our "practice", others choose not to. But we're all brothers in arms... don't let this silliness divide us. Josh and Mike, you are both real nice guys who hate the phoniness you see so much around you, I know this.
ReplyDeleteGood place, good mic, good host, good advice, good drinks, good times.
ReplyDeleteHector runs a good mic in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteHe is a good man who has helped many people get stage time. He gives out prizes and keeps things fun. It gets filled up so be sure to prebook if you want to go up early. I like the fact that everybody who shows up gets to go up.
I can see this as being a really great "open mic", but you do need to get an earlier slot, as people don't tend to stick for the last two or three guys, so the room was a bit sparse.
ReplyDeleteBut I am looking forward to going there again, with an earlier slot.
Wow.
ReplyDeleteWant to hear something funny? This has made me realize that the argument between free vs. paid mics is the same as young vs. old. Dan Wilbur, Josh Guarino, Gonzalo and I are all on the same side and are some of the only people in this thread who know how to set up blogspot accounts. Why? Because we're all the exact same age: 23. 23, that's older than Buddy Holly was when he retired.
When you're a struggling artist living in the most expensive American city regularly paying for mics is probably the worst idea you could have. When you're a middle aged New Yorker living comfortably $5 is 1/10 of what you paid a 1984 hooker to give you a handjob in Times Square.
Speaking of Times Square I have nothing bad to say about Hector, because I know him well. We barked in Times Square together for over a year and that shit will make you bond. If he's giving out prizes (I assume comedy CDs and DVDs) then that's productive and something $5 is good for.
I've done much more humiliating things in order to simply crack jokes on stage than pay $5. Barking, bringing, barbacking, following Charlie (CALLBACK). Do you have any idea how many times I've mopped the floor at the PIT? 15! 15 times! Fuck you and you're complaining! THIS is what fame looks like!
TO THE STREETS! GRAR!
If I may interject, I too am a bit of an open mic enthusiast. It seems to me that if comedy can be free, then it must be free. Yes, you may not have a problem forking over five dollars to some husk, but others who don't show up to mics in a full suit and tie do.
ReplyDeleteIn defense of pals Lawrence, Grubard, Guarino and Gonzalo, I'd like to say: There is no such thing as burning bridges in comedy. Be proud to attach your name to your opinion. If you are funny and work hard, everyone will, in time, want to sponge off you. No matter what mic you go to, your talent, whatever there is of it, will be discovered and utilized. You will get exactly what you earn.
All that said, I am certain the rest of you are awful.
Signed,
Danny Solomon
p.s. Thank you Donnelly for bringing this thread to my attention!
It doesn't matter where you stand on the pay vs. free debate. It's still a pretty decent mic.
ReplyDeleteGood room. I advise to pre-book. Hector is nice and it's a great mic, but I do think most would rather not pay the $5 and skip on the raffling away of prizes.
ReplyDeleteHector's been giving prizes since maui taco. Sometimes you win something cool.
ReplyDeleteI like the mic, the host and the prizes. Most of all I like the vibe.
Well worth the 5 bucks.
I did Hector's Wednesday and Friday open mics. They were small (a reviewer might say "intimate") but very friendly, professional and supportive. Hector is both funny and warm and keeps the show going well. I was a visitor in New York and I found it better than comparable open mics in bars in Michigan, although nothing beats a comedy club audience. I'll come again when I get back tot he Apple.
ReplyDeleteWas there last night for the first time. Great room and Hector's handle was excellent. The show actually got a little more "interactive" then is normal, but Hector's control over the room was superb and the interactions were actually funny and well received. A good mix of comics, including a first-timer. I was actually there as a non-performer, but have been to plenty of rooms to realize this is one to come back to.
ReplyDeletegreat open mic positive atmosphere, Hector runs a great room!
ReplyDeleteJust got back from the open mic run by Hector. What a great experience. Everyone was very nice, some funny, some not so much. But, an open mic well worth doing. I look forward to doing it again the next time I come to NYC. I expect my husband (who's staying in NYC) to become a regular.
ReplyDeleteI want to take this opportunity to welcome everyone who reads this to come down & have some fun every Saturday night at 10PM. It's free for all comedians with no drink minimums! We also raffle off a couple of "fishbowl spots" every show so be ready to perform! See you Saturdays at 10PM at O'Hanlon's Bar! For reservations or more info. go to www.HECTORLUIS.com
ReplyDeleteI like this mic. Well worth trying. You'll become a regular.
ReplyDeleteThis mic is a good one, Hector is a class act and the atmosphere is great. He gives out prizes during the show, and everybody there really watches the comics hardly anybody writing their sets and adjusting their flipcams
ReplyDeleteGreat mic!
ReplyDeleteTony Vega
hey! all of you including hector's big ass, shut the fuck up! bottom line! good mic or bad mic? all tht other bullshit, meet up somewhere and put the gloves on because you sound like you want to fight. -maniac red hook bloods. Im everywhere.
ReplyDeleteHector you are then man! Keep doing you brotha! I LOVE THIS MIC!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you have gotten through all the BS above and want an honest opinion of this room, IT IS GREAT! It is warm and doesn't have that "clique" feeling that most other mics have. Yes it is $5, yes it is worth it. Period.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Perez
1 of my favorite mics by far. Great atmosphere. Feels like a high school lunchroom sometimes. Havent been there in a while but i will definetly make my way through. ~Hookah Guy
ReplyDeleteHelp fund Hector's weed problem, $5 at a time
ReplyDeleteThen go somewhere else. I love this mic. Then us real comics won't have to deal with whiney bitches like you.
ReplyDeleteReal comics only. If you like free mics go to them. All you fools have accomplished nothing but promote Hector's mics. Which are awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat Mic.. Period
ReplyDeleteOk, here's what I have to say about this whole paid mic thing- Sometimes I will pay for a mic, sometimes I will not.
ReplyDeleteIf you look at this mic's rules closely though, you'll see that you're allowed to pay with 5 kisses on Hector's cheek. Thats how I save money.
-John John Petco
I am a comic from the West and had NEVER heard of a paid open mic... NEVER! WOW, what a trip. If that was my show out here I would take all or some of the money and reward the best comic of the night by audience reaction. Guess what, the comic that brings the most people (the objective anyway) will probably win. A great way to recognize and everybody wins. Hay, share the wealth right? OBAMA!
ReplyDeletelike hectors mics.
ReplyDeletetuesday and wednesday are the busiest. so sign up at least 4-5 days beforehand. the room is really good for comedy. tons of furniture including couches. low ceiling, dim lighting = what comedy rooms need.
as far as the "whether or not to pay for mics"-debate.
Some mics are worth paying for. This i think is one of them. It is hard to find such a real comedy-club experience elsewhere. If you go to free mics, there is usually something wrong with them. Either the host is bad, there isnt a stage, there isn't a mic (it happened once), or the turnout is pathetic. At hectors mics, you get consistency. thats a good thing.
if you're paying for open mics, you're probably not that wise and/or aggressive. there are plenty of mics in the city that are both free and helpful. as a relatively new comic, i can attest to this. Ironically enough, paid mics tend to be crappier than free ones. I suppose peeps are simply tired of paying when alternatives exist.
ReplyDeleteYou pay for every mic, whether it's in time, money or self-esteem. You're going to pay. So why not save where you can?
This mic forced itself on me and wouldn't pay for the abortion...
ReplyDeleteTried this mic for the first time the other night. Great host, good atmosphere, supportive, and fun. There are drawings, which is a nice way to break things up a bit. I would definitely recommend this mic.
ReplyDeleteGreat Mic, Hector is a nice and funny host and even encouraged me to keep on going when I tried to bail. Will definitely be coming back.
ReplyDeleteI tried this mic last night too. He said I was his first but I see he had someone else last night too. And he broke things up by showing you his drawings too??? :( He said I was supportive and fun :(...
ReplyDeleteI felt bad for him I gave him $5 and I bought a drink too.
enough with the drama....
Paying to do comedy is like being a model and being told you have to pay for your own pictures. It like being a slave and hmmm wait even the slaves didn't have to pay to work.
Peter "the straight hair guy who wants to be a comedian"
a)models have to pay for headshots. b) doesnt a host deserve to be compensated for his time if he's providing a service on a weekly basis? this is an obligation for 2 people to run weekly that $100 a week isnt makin anyone rich but it does give extra incentive for a man to take a few hours out of his week to do something he loves and provide an opportunity for others to do the same.
ReplyDeletemy names chris, ive never done one of hectors mics but ive met him and he seems like a nice enough guy. why begrudge the man a couple of bucks?
Hector is a struggling comic like all of us, and as such should understand the financial hardships comics face. Hector, however, misses this and instead views his peers as objects to make money off of. Most comics feel an innate, human desire to support each other and provide opportunities for free comedy all around NYC and all other cities in the country. While Hector is definitely free to charge what he wants, all it shows is a lack of conscious and empathy for his peers. I personally couldn't imagine walking around with money that belongs to dozens of my so called friends and peers. I would feel guilty and dirty. Does this make me a saint? Yes. Does this make me similar to most other comics on the NY scene? Yes. That is why Hector's business irks so many people on this message board, because the NY comedy scene is an incredibly generous, supportive and loving community and Hector's greed and value of money above all is a force of evil in our world.
ReplyDeletePretty good mic sometimes though.
Almost every mic in the city costs $3-$6. An open mic in nothing more than a rehearsal space for an unfinishe play reading. Don't think of it as anythign more than that. NYC has expensive real estate. If you look at what it costs to rent stages and rehearsal spaces anywhere in NYC you will see why nearly all mics costs some money to perform. You are paying for stage time... if you were trying to get better at hitting a baseball you'd have to pay to using a batting cage too. Deal with it.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to congratulate Hector on 100 posts about his mic!!!
ReplyDeleteGood job, buddy! Er... bueno trabajo, perverto estonero!
Hector's greed is a force of evil in the world? He runs a mike - does a nice job - wants to make a few bucks.
ReplyDeleteHector is one of the nicest guys and why people go after him when there are other mikes charging $10 or charging $5.00 plus a drink is beyond me.
Leave him alone - youre making me cry.
Mic has good crowd on Wednesday, but the audience is completely dead. Nobody laughs because they are all competitive as winner gets a free spot on saturday when nobody will watch them.
ReplyDeleteThis Mic is fuckin great
ReplyDeleteFantastic mic, if no body is laughing rewrite your stuff because both tues and weds. you can get laughs.
ReplyDeleteyeah
ReplyDeletePay your five bills and shut up or don't do the mic and THEN shut up... Hector has a great mic... love hump day and the Friday mic!
ReplyDeletethis mic is FREAKIN AWESOME AND VERY SUPPORTIVE!!
ReplyDeleteI HIGHLY reccommend it.
I've known Hector for a long time and he's a good dude. I would prefer that all mikes were free, but of every one that isn't, anything Hector does is the best by a long shot.
ReplyDelete+1 for Danny Soloman's post; best one in this massive, ridiculous thread.
You bunch of cry baby ignorant pussies!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI cant believe how many comics are attacking Hector because he charges $5 for a mic. Really?!?
Yet these attackers are the same dumb asses who run to do a bringer show because they think someone is watching and going to discover them, only to find out they suck and thier friends got raped on a $15 cover charge and expensive drinks for a lousy show!!!
You attack Hector because you can get away with it!!!....Hes just a nice guy who runs a mic in a bar. You may not agree with his $5 charge (thats fine) but he doesnt lie!! he doesnt deceive comics!!! what you see is what you get!!
You Pussies!!!You take his kindness for weakness!!!
Yet you dont have the balls to attack the real greedy individuals in this game.Please take the time to really study the open mic calendar!!
If you have to buy a drink to get on stage, cool! If you have to pay a fee to get on stage, cool!...........However, if you have to buy a drink and pay $$$....are you nuts!!! that means the drink goes to the bar, and the $$$ goes in the hosts pocket!!!!...u got fucked twice!!
but Hector is the evil one.....right!?!?
buy a drink + $2....buy a beverage + $3....buy an item + $3...(its for my kids college fund!...wink).
You attack Hector because he has nothing to offer (except kindness, honesty, a well run mic, and occasionaly he shares his weed).
You Pussies!! you dont attack these other rip off mics and bullshit bringer shows because they take place in a comedy club!....and god forbid if you tell them they suck because then they wont like you, and you wont get passed.....right!!! Pussy!!
Lets attack Hector, we have nothing to lose!!
I'll just continue getting raped in the ass by these bullshit bringers and over charged mics and smile,because I want to get passed some day.
Dont judge a mic by its price (Free or not)
Judge the mic by its quality!!
xoxoxox,
Vet Comic
How is this mic for someone new. I've only been on stage 4 times since April because I have a full time plus job and three kids. Right now just a hobby for me but hopefully down the line I will have more time for it. Let me know.
ReplyDeletei'd rather pay hector $5 than do 1 of these fakes free mics which i will not name (zroom), or be really raped at bway ($3 AND A DRINK), at least here im close to home!! and hey at least Hectors fuckin microphone works unlike some clubs. But do gotta admit Josh and the others brought up a good point. Just wish this 1 was free, then id give it 10mics up. But now it only gets 7mics up
ReplyDelete$5 to get on a real stage, work with a good crowd, and have some honest feedback....and people are crying over this!?!? Wow, that is scary.
ReplyDeleteHector does a great job, actually cares about the comics, and is consistently running a good show. Stop bitching, the $5 is a choice, you dont have to do it. But I highly recommend it, and support this open mic %100.
-Sean Powell
closed
ReplyDelete