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Smith's version of the open-mic, only BIGGER. The Big BBBBB is five songs each from up to eight singer-songwriters. See below for info on the subtitle - The Feedback Sessions.Bangers (in no particular order):
Alexia Kassionis
Weather Veins
Ian and Mitch
Stephen Dobson
Tim Pearce
Shae Kerin
Simon Janes
Ava Saint Paul
This Bang! is full. We’re currently booking for a special Sunday afternoon Bang on 25th Oct. Email us at [email protected] if you’d like to join in.
The BIG Bang!! Beng!! Bing!! Bong!! Bung!! is an opportunity for singer-songwriters who are new to performing, new to town or trying out new material to have a play on a good stage in front of a friendly audience.
‘Bangers’ (as we affectionately call them) play up to five songs each (twenty minutes max). Original songs are preferred though not obligatory.
Playing order is generally sorted out as people arrive on the night, but Bangers can request a specific playing time beforehand if they like. It's nice if Bangers are present for all the other performers but we understand people have busy lives.. Do what you can.
Bangers should get ready to perform (batteries checked, guitar tuned, hair brushed etc.) before their playing time. There’s a lot of acts to get through and taking up a lot of time in set-up is bad form. Very complicated set-ups are also frowned upon. The Bang is about giving the songs a hearing and getting used to performing in front of a crowd. Trying to achieve sonic perfection with multiple instruments/effects/backing tracks etc. is for another type of event. It's also important to exit the stage with all your equipment as quickly as you can.
If you’d like to play at future BBBBB’s, please email [email protected].
There is also an open mic for bands, Band Beng Bing Bong Bung. Email for details.
The Bang Beng Bing Bong Bung events now carry the subtitle 'The Feedback Sessions'.
For some time we have been contemplating the open mic format, which we have been running in one form or another for around 20 years in various venues, and wondering if it couldn't be enhanced in some way.
The inspiration for introducing a process of feedback for the performers at the Bang came from observing a Canberra Youth Theatre event called Scratch which was held here at Smith's a few times. Emerging theatre writers were invited to come and present works in progress, which they fearlessly did, followed by a conversation with the audience, largely their peers, who let loose with criticism which was thoughtful, intelligent, productive and constructive. We marveled at everyone's courage in giving and receiving honest feedback - the contrast with similar events in a musical context was stark.
It is our experience that feedback at the usual musical open mic event is limited to either polite applause, mild affirmation or occasionally effusive praise when something really stands out as excellent. It is also our experience that the stereotypical singer songwriter generally has rather a fragile ego and does not cope well with blunt, robust public criticism. So we don't think a frank and open discussion of the merits of a performance/composition with a bunch of their peers would necessarily be productive.
So to make a first, tentative step in the direction of inviting feedback for the performers at the Bang from their fellow performers and the audience, we have chosen to introduce the following method. Paper and pens will be distributed to all to write down thoughtful and constructive criticism, returning them to the convener to ensure counterproductive negative feedback is weeded out before distribution to the artist.
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Event venue
Smith's Alternative, 78 Alinga St, City ACT 2601, Australia, Canberra
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