The Value of Open Mics

Pubs are important community hubs and have always been part of my life. Open mics in public houses are invaluable, both to the professional and to the amateur.

I was first asked to host an open mic in summer 2015, and have been connecting artists ever since. Historically, London has always had a wealth of creative talent, in all artistic medians, ranging across its multicultural heritage. An open mic, in a busy London pub, might include a singer from Iran, a guitarist from Slovenia and a poet from Croydon. It may also give rise to the next Adele or Ed Sheeran.

Open mics are inclusive events, set within a simple rule system, where anything beautiful or entertaining is praised. They nurture new talent and give wizened old-timers a voice; are places of humour, learning and community. In London, they represent the city's diverse cultural identity.

As a teenager, I begun performing at open mics to reach an audience with my songs but also to be a part of something. In a healthy culture, one that reflects the hopes and fears of the human heart, mirroring all that is light and all that is dark, communal gatherings are a social necessity. Open mics teach us to listen, as we face the mirror peering into our vagrant souls.

Belsize Open Mic Live at The George has ceased until further notice.

Fundraising for Belsize Community Library

Local donations and fundraising events are central to keeping a community library open. Many libraries are struggling to pay for essential services and facilities, without support from the local council authority or central government.

It costs thousands to upkeep a library building. Cleaning, heating, internet service, new books, staff costs, replacement furniture: all cost money and every small donation helps.

So far, we have raised over three-thousand pounds for the library from donations taken from our fundraising events. This includes the Belsize Open Mic; which now runs simultaneously online. This is a landmark achievement, but more funds need to be raised if the library is to continue to pay for building costs and improve its facilities.

Many volunteers give their time to staff the library; these unsung heroes work to create an inspirational and safe environment for all members of the community to enjoy.

At their best, libraries provide an inclusive learning space where people of all ages, and from all social backgrounds, can read, study, discover local events, surf the internet for free, and much more besides.

Belsize Community Library Open Mic

It was the end of a warm spring afternoon and the sun was setting outside. I sat at my sound-desk, admiring the aged wood, appreciating the grade-listed building.

On the classical guitar, I played a few pieces. Notably, I had never performed on nylon strings in public before. I then did the sound engineering for several poets and musicians, introducing the acts as we went along. The room has perfect natural reverb and the volume was kept reasonably low.

The audience participated and clapped along to the music on a number of occasions. I came back on stage to sing a couple of cover songs and the evening concluded on time. All my gear was packed up by ten o' clock.

Original Poster for Belsize Community Library Open Mic
(now every first Thursday)

Dan Sandman supports Belsize Communtiy Library

Dan's Annual Guitar Concert 2016

The radio played rock music in the background. My equipment was set up ready for the concert to begin. All I had to do was walk out, plug in and roll.

The rest would be the passing of thirty-seven minutes of time. Time enough to fill a room full of questions and answers.

Conversations begun to buzz from the room outside. There were the retired ladies from the local community, waiting patiently in the front row. 

At the back of the seating area, several of my friends looking towards the makeshift stage. And fanning out from the centre of the seating area, a wide range of listeners connected to my work as a guitar teacher.

I looked at the music on the stand. Opened up the first page. Closed my eyes.

Picture taken by Jolene at Dan's Annual Guitar Concert 2016 (07/02/16)

Dan Sandman: The Passing is out now:www.dansandman.co.uk