On January 8th HNDP hosted its first open mic @ Holy Grounds Coffee and Tea, and ushered in 2015 with freestyles, trumpet playing and musical performances.
As a developing musician, there are few activities that help sharpen your skill set the way an open mic does. During the 90's I grew up hearing legends of freestyles at the Radiotron and The Good Life. Freestylers walked the streets and provoked cyphers and unexpected times in public places. Project blowd, Luna Tiera Sol, the East Side Cafe, The Gallery- all were epicenters of the freestyle show in LA. Then in the bay there was Cafecito and Lyrical Discipline, combining live instrumentation and pushing the boundaries of freestyles, jazz and jam sessions.
What is the best way to get good at something? Practice.
In a mix of performances, improvisation and crowd participation - the open mic is the perfect training ground for new musicians. Holy Grounds with their lit fireplace, fountains and stained glass stage is the perfect backdrop for coffee, drinks and live music. There's no hiding from your audience in the open mic, and when some one catches a great freestyle or verse, every one feels it.
It's a chance for newcomers to catch some inspiration, for the experienced to share their craft, and for the community to be together in expression and art.
Hope to see you next month, Feb 12th 2015 for the next one.
Bonus Round - Irene Diaz from HNDP @ Holy Grounds in December - Singing for the first time her cover of "You Really Got a Hold On Me":
-Aaron (HNDP BLOG TEAM)