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This is surely the best-known open mike in Center City, which doesn't necessarily mean it's the one you'll end up attending every week. But play it anyway. It's good for you. Chances are, it'll be the place where everybody knows your name (if you can find standing room). Simply put, Fergie's is the mike to say you've played whether it's your cup of tea or not. If you make friends there in the very-crowded room and decide to keep coming, well, that's great (you are probably pencil thin, too). As a matter of fact, host Pete Gaudioso is the bee's knees (very cool guy), who will make you feel important even if you play worse than poop. Moreover, the music is outstanding. And, after all, it's Fergies, mannnnn. So, do play it at least once. The participants are considered to be the best musicians on the open-mike circuit. And how often do newbies get the chance to play alongside the elite? So? Pete tries to cram as many acts into the night and somehow never manages to shorten playing time. At such a famous venue, it is rare to get three songs, but here you actually do. Sidewalk Cafe, in Alphabet City in Manhattan is attended by players who are no better than the Fergie-ites and only gives you one or two songs. The playing space is on the second floor and is level with the patrons. Sign-in must occur as early as possible through Nadine Iherle, Pete's assistant. Some players who are in the know, manage to get the host's e-mail address and cell phone number (text messaging is allowed only after 7 p.m.). The importance of this mike is signified by its presenting the cream of the crop of Philly acoustic and small-ensemble players. You'll rub elbows with people who have record deals. You can ask them questions. It is important to listen to what they are playing because this is how successful musicians are sounding these days. Musicians who are just starting out are not turned away. The pros themselves should be thankful this place exists because they end up getting the chance to do shitloads of plugs in front of a hip audience and earn new musician fans who will resultantly follow down the road. In a nutshell, Fergie's, whether or not most musicians become regulars, begets better musicians and better musicians beget great music. You can thank Pete and his house band for that. Bassist James Cooper and Anam Owili-Eger and Gaudioso are ready to back up your music with class evincing their keen, unmatched understanding of what you're trying to do.
Open mike Monday nights. Sign-up is 8 p.m. Occasional featured acts. Ample space for percussion, drum kit, etc.
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