The folks at The Wheel House are busy serving up tasty beverages! INFO AND SOME SIMPLE RULES FOR OPEN MIC NIGHT:
1. When This Event Takes Place. The Wheel House Niwot is holding this event every other Wednesday evening, 6-8:15pm. Any schedule changes will be posted on this page.
2. How to Sign-Up. Sign ups start at 5:30PM. In the event we have more performers at 5:30 than available time
slots, we will draw numbers from a hat and populate the schedule accordingly. Watch for Facebook posts for the latest info. No advanced/call in/online sign-up at this time.
3. Genres/Instruments/Gear. The Wheel House Niwot is best suited for solos/duos/trios. All genres are welcome. The music typically booked at The Wheelhouse Niwot is singer/songwriter, folk, blues oriented. The House is well equipped with a nice PA, guitar and bass amps, mics. Pretty much everything but, your instrument. Please leave your amps at home if you can! We’re going to keep things running smoothly by avoiding lugging amps on and off the stage. If you have questions about the specifics, message us! There will be a drum kit on stage and a drummer to sit in if you need one! If you plan on drumming, you may be asked to asked to use provided rods, mallets, etc. instead of your skull crusher sticks. We’ll be managing the mix volume so it’s an enjoyable level for everyone in attendance.
4. Respect Everyone. The Wheel House Niwot is dedicated to supporting local musicians and live music. This means YOU! Please do your part to support this event by treating everyone with respect. This includes EVERYONE! Bar staff, your open-mic hosts and, especially each other. We all need to contribute to building a great musical environment that’s enjoyable for all.
5. Respect the Format. Performance slots are generally 3 songs with a max of 15 minutes. This includes set up time. Know the length of your material and plan accordingly. If your set up takes 8 minutes, you have 7 minutes to perform. We’ll do our best to get you performing quickly and giving you a signal when you have only a few minutes left. In fairness to the next performer, you can expect to be cut off at the 15 minute mark. Please take responsibility for your performance so we never have to do that. The times may vary depending on if someone only needs 10 minutes or if there is light participation on a given night, etc. This will be at the discretion and direction of your open-mic host.
6. Respect the Equipment. Check with the open-mic host for when its okay to plug and unplug. No mic drops or any crazy stuff. Some of the gear is provided by the house and some by your open-mic peers. Please show your appreciation by treating it right!
7. Get Your Gear Ready Ahead of Time. Be aware of when you’re scheduled to go on and make sure your instrument is tuned and/or whatever it is you need to prepare for your performance. Remember, your set up time is included in your time slot. If you’re not ready, you are burning up your own time, not the next performer's. Things need to run smoothly to allow everyone their full time slot. Help make things run smoothly by moving off the stage efficiently after your performance.
8. Help Build/Sustain a Great Open-Mic Community. Help create a great environment for getting your music to the stage. Do your best but, don’t worry, it’s cool if things aren’t perfect. Support your fellow musicians by sticking around to listen and encourage. Network and have fun. Support The Wheel House Niwot by partaking in their food and beverage. Tip your bartenders. Help make this event sustainable by making it worthwhile for everyone involved! Everything is subject to change on a given night or indefinitely. We’ll do our best to keep you informed. If you have a specific question about an upcoming night or in general, message us!
