The Songwriter Series featuring Hillie Lyman and Andrew Collins Graham. October 2, 2013

Oh man. I have been looking forward to this show all month.

Hillie Lyman is one hell of a talented lady. Flanked by 2 ukelele's, Hillie has a fun, sweet stage presence and a souful voice that is immediately disarming. Her songs stick with you for days. I highly recommend picking up one of her albums. She offers them on a sliding scale (free - however many $ you want to spend) and hand makes each cover.

Andrew Collins Graham is Hillie's musical other half in their side project, Flowers for Fran. He's an accomplished songwriter with one hell of a library of songs and intricate guitar work.

These two are a powerful duo. Flowers for Fran is a departure from their individual projects, wrapping elements of psych-rock into folk with looping pedals and effects.

Check out Hillie Lyman's music here. You can go hear her play on Saturday, October 12 @ "Art Is All There Is".

Featured Performer: Nick Ronayne

Nick started attending open mic at Flipnotics shortly after moving to Austin. He's attended three of the different open mics that I've hosted over the years. One of the things I noticed about Nick right away was his quick wit, hilarious stage banter, and genuine interest in the other musicians performing. He was quick to friend a lot of folks at the open mic, has formed a few bands, and even hosted an open mic of his own at Tiniest Bar in Texas for awhile. He's settled into Austin quite nicely.

I chatted with Nick about Flipnotics, what it's like to be an open mic performer, and more. Check out the interview below.

• Q: Which of the Lisa Kettyle Presents: open mics have you gone to?

  Nick: I've been to Flips, Romeo's, and Medici.

  Q: What instrument and style of music do you play?

  Nick: I play acoustic guitar and sing songs...that sound like they might be on the soundtrack of Juno...?

  
  

  Q: Any favorite memories from over the years?

  Nick: Many great memories. Mostly memories of meeting awesome people and making great friends. If my Austin friends were a family tree, Flipnotics open mic would be the trunk. When I played my first open mic at Flipnotics I had only played in public once or twice. I believe it was that first night when I broke a string which made my guitar out of tune which made my singing out of tune. My knees were shaking too much to stand so I sat. I finished my 2 or 3 songs fueled only on the good vibes and enthusiastic words/hoots and hollers coming from the ever attentive and supportive audience. I'll never forget that terrifyingly wonderful feeling.

  
  

  Q: Why do you play open mic?

  Nick: I play open mic to meet band members, to get my music out there/gain "fans" (which really just translates to supportive friends), and to get shows.

  Q: What makes a good open mic for a performer? For the listener?

  Nick: Simple. For a performer? A good audience. For an audience member? A good performer.

  
  

  Q: Any tips for open mic performers?

  Nick: Open mic is not a show. Don't act like it is. Play your songs the absolute best you can and get off the stage. There are 20 other people in the room who are there to play. Not to hear you play. Don't explain your songs or when/where/why you wrote them. Just play them. Before and after you're done playing, talk to people. Talk to people before you play because then they're more likely to listen to you when you do play. Talk to people after because that's when they'll ask you questions about your songs/music which is the appropriate time to explain it. Also, that's when people will talk to you about booking gigs, starting bands, having post-open mic jam sessions, etc... Be humble, and grateful, and ask questions. Go to a lot of different open mics...that having been said, pick your 1 or 2 favorite ones and go to it/them regularly. Lastly, and most importantly - be tuned and ready when they call your name.

  
  

  Check out Nick's current musical project, Javelina.

  
  

  
  

  

   Performing with Javelina

  

  Playing an underground SXSW show at Parkerhaus with yours truly

  

  Hosting open mic at Tiny Bar

Austin City Limits is Coming!

One of the city's biggest festivals is nearly upon us! Austin City Limits descends upon our fair city Oct. 4-13, 2013.

If you've got a wristband, make sure to check out some of our dear friends from the Austin music scene: Dana Falconberry, Shakey Graves, My Jerusalem, Whiskey Shivers and more. I was thrilled to hear that ACL would be booking more local bands, and these guys are all excellent choices. Way to go, guys.

Open mic will be happening the week of ACL. We will have sign up at 7:45p, music at 8p.

I don't anticipate parking to be any more limited, as there aren't any music events in the park on Thursday night. As always, I encourage you to be courteous to the neighbors and park your car in legal spots only.

Flipnotics - September 26, 2013.

Howdy ya'll!

Last week, the lovely Peter Supertramp was so kind as to host open mic for me so that I could work. Thank you, Peter. Everyone had a blast and towards the end a huge sing along of 'Rocky Racoon' broke out. Sounds like a blast!

This week, the list is growing like woah. In the first half hour that the open mic was underway, 6 people signed up to play, bringing the total amount of players to 23.

Some pretty great stuff happened tonight!

Jason played electric guitar for us tonight. He stayed and listened to everyone the last time he was here and didn't get a chance to play, so he got a priority slot at tonight's open mic. His songs were awesome and I'm glad we were finally able to hear him play.

Melina was a treat tonight. She introduced her second song stating off with jokes about being an alcoholic. Don't worry, guys. She's 21. Anyhow, her sweet songs and her hilarious stage banter made for a great set. Way to go, Melina.

Melina and Mike Pittman

Peter played a KILLER cover of an Offspring song. The whole room was singing along. Man. He really killed it.

 Peter also played washboard for the very lovely spitfire, Button. If Louis Armstrong could come back as a tiny girl, he'd be this lady. Great set, Button!

Daniel Lytle

Arielle was AMAZING. She had a guitarist join in for her 2nd and 3rd songs. I thought they played in a band together because the songs were seamless, but it turns out that they just met at that the moment he offered to play with her onstage. Stuff like this is what makes open mics awesome. It's not so rare that this type of thing happen, but it IS rare for it to be so rad.

Arielle and Greg

Meredith played some grand folk music. She also brought a selection of hand sewn guitar straps that she sells. Super cool. Thanks for coming out, lady!

Meredith, maker of songs and guitar straps

 Ajari and Greg!

The list!

Thanks for another great week, everyone! See you next time!