Many of the clubs that now have open mic nights used to hire musicians. We now have at least one open mic night on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and a once per month Tuesday.

Playing for free in these places definitely puts musicians out of work. Do unto others comes to mind here.

It's not wrong to play for free, but if everyone else from the manager to the toilet scrubbers are getting paid, the musicians should get paid too.

Busking doesn't put musicians out of work as there is no 'house' making money.

Jam sessions with a house band getting fair pay don't put anyone out of work.

Karaoke is competition but as long as the hosts are getting paid it's fair competition.

Same for DJs.

There are plenty of places you can have fun and play if you are just a little creative. Go to the local VA hospital and play for the vets. We do this once a year, and they appreciate it. Play in a public park. Have a house party. Conduct a live social media stream.

If they have open mic nights, they don't get any of my business. But that's just me.

Notes

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
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