Thank you to all of the artists who have participated in and made FACTOR’s open mics a huge success!
Recognizing that FACTOR can’t write a cheque to everyone, the concept of the open mic was a way for the staff at FACTOR to further support the music industry. Since August of 2006, the staff have volunteered their time, providing opportunities for artists to perform their music in a live setting.
To date, FACTOR has hosted 7 open mics with a total of 165 performances by 142 different artists. Of these artists, 6 have since received FACTOR funding through one or more of our programs.
The first open mic was hosted by Cory Kimm and Meg Tucker of 104.5 CHUM FM and since then we have had hosts such as Emm Gryner, Wil Strickland from the Urban Music Association of Canada (UMAC), Marcus MacDonald of the Vampire Beach Babes as well as FACTOR staff.
Housing the first of the open mics at no charge was the Cameron House on Queen Street West in downtown Toronto. Not only did the Cameron House provide great acoustics and a comfortable venue, but they also donated the time of their sound technician, Frank.
After six open mics, FACTOR began to realize that although cozy and familiar, the Cameron House was no longer able to accommodate the growing number of musicians that were coming out to perform.
Within no time at all, FACTOR found a second home for their open mic nights.
Complete with a stage and a sound technician (at no cost) and with more space for the artists, there couldn’t have been a more perfect place than Clinton’s on Bloor Street West! FACTOR’s first open mic night at Clinton’s was a huge hit with more sign-ups than ever before.
We look forward to hosting many more open mics and encourage you to come out and hear the talent we have been so fortunate to experience in one short year.
We want to hear from you!
Send an email to krista.culp@factor.ca and share your hurdles, successes and experiences with us. We want to know how the FACTOR Open Mics have helped you both personally and professionally.
Please note that your comments may be shared.