I first started writing songs in the fall of 2014 at the age of 19. The year 2014 was not exactly a positive one for me, and I desperately needed an artistic outlet to prevent myself from going crazy, although my girlfriend at the time would tell you that I already was crazy. Either way, I decided on songwriter because I loved to play guitar and felt I finally had something to write about. The spark of inspiration ignited, and I was off trying out various licks, writing down everything that came to mind, and recording my best stuff in the form of demo EP's. There was just one problem. I didn't really have any place to perform, and while I loved playing for friends, I also wanted to play for strangers.

Fast forward to the spring of 2015. I was back in my hometown from school (the school I eventually transferred from) and talking with a friend who also wrote songs. He heard what I said about needing a place to play and told something that would change the game for me forever. My friend explained how he recently starting playing open mic nights around the community, and would love to take me sometime so we could both perform a set. A few days later, I found myself on the stage of a music bar known as Puck Live, often nicknamed Puck, The Puck, and Puck's. The picture below is an actual photo of me taken by my friend on that very night in May 2015.

The open mic night is an event that can be found all around the country, in bars, clubs, coffeeshops, college campuses, community centers, and just about any other place where you can find lots of people. This often weekly event gives an opportunity for anyone with a talent, from music, to stand up comedy, to spoken word to perform a brief set in a low-stress environment. Open mic nights usually occur in the middle of the workweek, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the beginning of a "bar's week." It allows all the performers to have a midweek break from the daily grind, and to enjoy some food, drink, and wonderful talent. They are usually free to perform at, and sign ups are done at a first come first serve basis. Most venues allow for performers to have a 10-15 minute set, which is more than enough time for someone just starting out.

When I first got on that stage, I was unbelievably nervous as I looked into a solid crowd of about 25 people. I then began to nervously play and sing through a cover of Brett Dennen's "San Francisco" followed by a cover of Lewis Watson's "Windows." To finish things off, I mustered up the courage to play one of my originals. As I heard the final applause and walked off the stage with absolutely no idea about how I did, I was greeted by my friend.

That's when the unexpected happened. My friend immediately asked me, "Wait, when in the world did you get THAT good?!" I didn't really know what to say other than thanks. Even though I thought my set was by no means a trainwreak, I thought I did average at best. Hi-Fives and "great job's" soon followed from everyone else who saw me. As cliché as it is to say, I didn't know what to do with myself, but I was very happy to have been able to find such a great place to play.

Now two years removed from that night at Puck, I am still an active songwriter, and have gone on to do studio recordings and perform paid gigs at nationally known venues like the Trocadero. One thing that will always remain constant though, is my love for and attendance at open mic nights. If you are a performer who's never been to one before, I encourage you to do so. Not only will you get performance experience and feedback, but you will be inserted into a vast network of wonderful people who share that same love of performing. If it weren't for the open mic night, I wouldn't have the self-esteem to do what I do, and that's why I plan on making it a part of myself for the rest of my life.