Absolute Beginners - Open Stage - Amateur Night

Okay, first I'm gonna see if this flyer works...



See also the Absolute Beginners archive

Yes, people, we're back. (Why do I feel a few deep shudders reverbrating through the place?) And yes, there will be more than just Graham and I at this next get together. We're taking over the TB for the evening next Sunday, and we're even going to grab the front section. Alas, Hugh has left us, which means no Hackarl this time around...and Tania has left us, which means she will not be able to sing Ave Maria for us, but there are other talented people out there who are hungry for a little, erm, artistic expression, and Sunday's the night. Hopefully, a few of the folks reading this will feel predisposed to coming out and practicing their chops for us--because I already know there's a lot of people out there with skills (pronounced: skeyills), and we wanna see what you've got to offer. The rules are thus:

8pm start, open sign up sheet--anyone who wants to play, come sign up (or PM me in advance, if you'd prefer), and you'll be on the list for 10 minutes of stage time, to do with as you will. Only two rules: no stripping, unless done in moderation (keep your bits to yourself, please...), and no acts that involve harming either the other participants or the venue in which we're playing...at least, don't harm them physically. Other than that, the sky's the limit. Your act will then be judged, on a scale of 10--meaning you leave the entire audience wallowing in the throes of ecstasy--to negative infinity, which means that you shouldn't quit your day job. The judges will be hand-selected from the audience, based on a one-sentence reply to the question "Why should you be a judge?" The highest score for the night gets, as their prize for being at the pinnacle of artistic achievement for the evening, a free dinner for two at the Twisted Bavarian. And who knows? I may bring a booby prize for the low score as well...just to keep things interesting.

Folks, this is good dirty fun, and a chance for you to flog your schpeil in front of a live, and usually drunk, audience...not to mention a good chance for you creative types to gather under one roof, network and exchange ideas. Do mark your calendar, and if you've an act you'd like to run by us, please do not hesitate to PM me, right here at Toytown, or even to e-mail me at papa_geno@yahoo.com. Or just reply to this thread...I'll keep an eye on it and will field all questions, no matter how irrelevant they may be.

Cheerio, foax, and see you on Sunday.

p_g

I'll be there this time! Not performing, just watching.

Good...we need judges, too. I know for certain that I have one poetry act, one guitarist, and one musical act, so they'll need to be rated so they know where they fall on the bar-artistry scale. And I'm guessing we may have some surprise acts as well...do spread the word to anyone who might be interested in securing a venue.

BTW, Dagmar of the comedy club has been a regular in the past, and she has spoken of scoping the field for new talent at these shows...you really never know who might be watching. With a little community involvement, these shows turn into cultures all their own very quickly...so all encouragement to anyone who has an act--get out from in front of that bathroom mirror, and come try it out in front of a live audience! It's good fun, and it's good for you! (heh.)

Yet another reason for me to hate my regular trips to Vienna. I can't f.ing make it!!!

AaaaaH!

I had hoped, had hoped.

Well, we'll just have to plan another one after this one, won't we?

Any other brill magicians in the house?

I'm very pleased at the response I've been receiving, largely via PM, regarding this show--lots of people asking how they can help out--two people stepped up to help in cleaning up the flyer, and Tom17 played around long enough to generate the following, so many thanks for that. Pootle also stepped up, though after this had been generated, but thanks are in order for offering...and, as I Pm'd back, we're keen to get appropriate pictures for future shows--I know a lot of TTers that are snap-happy, and I suspect more than a few are exhibitionist enough to want to be immortalized on one of these things...so, send them in if you think they'd work (and of course, if the subject doesn't mind being so included). Finally, WE HAVE A DJ, something I always wanted in our previous incarnation, but never quite got...I'll keep the identity of that person a secret, unless they feel like stepping out themselves. Otherwise, finding out who the mystery DJ is will be one of the events of the night.

Okay...I'll leave it there. As before, any and all questions fielded, even if--especially if--they are completely irrelevant to the topic at hand.

later--p_g

Just popping in to thank everyone who participated in last night's open mic--an incredible vibe to the evening, and some very good acts--we were fortunate enough to have an excellent young German comedian, Christian Schulte-Loh, come out and warm the crowd up, and things just got better from there, with visits from two poets and two excellent guitarists, not to mention a rare appearance by Texas Tornado of the legendary Texas Tornado Band, who is trying to get her rock and roll career off the skids. We wrapped up the night with a sing-along led by the 3-2-5s, whose attention to craft and detail were, um, only too apparent, but who were fun anyway. The glue sticking the whole show together was provided by an excellent night of disk-spinning by TT's own DJ Bubble-G, who set and maintained the mood with a mixture of cool jazz, hot funk, and swingin' punctuation throughout the evening. And, although I have to acknowledge a small bias, the service provided by the venue--the Twisted Bavarian--was excellent as well.

One of our panel of three judges was TT's sk8rgrl, who slipped in with with her answer to the question "Why should you be a judge?": "I'd like to be a judge because my talents exist in ways that I cannot demonstrate in a pub." Skating, maybe? The boys all wanted to think in different directions, of course...

And the grand prize was taken by Matt, who pleasured our ears with a bit of classical flamenco, and walked away with a free dinner for two at the Twisted Bavarian. Nicht schlect, and he's told us he'll be back, and he might even bring reinforcements.

We will be doing this again, and the good news is that DJ Bubble G has agreed to play DJ again next time...her work for the evening really smoothed a lot of things out, and she's even suggested she might take the stage sometime in the near future. We're all hoping sooner rather than later. The next one will be held on the third Sunday of February, so get those creative juices flowing, cuz we're offering another dinner for two to the act that wows the judges, whoever they may be. BTW, just fishing, but if anyone is interested in getting a creators stammtisch going, where we can knock ideas around, do respond on this thread--or, if you're still a little shy, feel free to PM me here at Toytown, or write me at my e-mail...papa_geno@yahoo.com .

Thanks again to the performers, the judges, the audience, and the smokin' team at the TB for providing an excellent evening out. Tschuss til then--p_g

Still a little over 48 hours to blow the dust out of that sax...we're on again at 8 pm, at the Twisted Bavarian, Sunday the 20th of February--and the last show was a stone hoot. Come on out and sing for your supper--cuz the winner carries away dinner for two at the Twisted.

yeah ill be there for this one for sure papa

Cool, good, and I'm glad you're feeling well enough to get back out again. Lookin forward to seeing you...p_g

I'll be going as well as a few friends. Hope to see yousn's there. (That's you plural)

We'll be down too. Looking forward to it.

I'll be there to help out whatever needs doing

Another one of those wild shows...DJ Bubble G in the booth, setting the mood, nicking Emily XYZ from one of my poetry CDs and scribbling her own in a Hello Kitty notebook between songs, newcomers Steve, who filled the calibration spot with a little psychic magic, Howard, who took on tyrants and whiskey in limerick form, Roz, who read us a little grown-up Dahl, and old-timers papa_geno and the Texas Tornado Band (still trying to get some air between her and the ground in her fizzling rock and roll career)...twas a fun night, and not only because I won my first Absolute Beginners ever...though that certainly put me in a smiling mood for the evening. Lots of familar faces, and quite a few new ones as well. Hope you all went home happy and excited about the next show. I, personally, was so excited that I forgot to mention when the next show is...which is, as before, the third Sunday of next month--March 20th, to be precise. That gives you all plenty of time to get the old trombone cleaned up.

I'll post details as it draws closer. Again, thanks to all for coming out and sharing your evening with us.

p_g

sorry papa..was planning on going and told ya i would...stinks i couldnt show up...

Yeah, yeah, yeah...next time, we're gonna use rope on ya, you naughty girl. Heh.

haa haa well its obvious you kmow how to get me to come...

A couple of cheeky pics here.

Congrats to all the performers for even getting up there in the first place

Thanks to everyone for coming out to the Absolute Beginner’s Poetry Slam Gong Show Open Mic. I think all in attendance were pleasantly surprised.

Profudno did magic & comedy, Roz recited the Little Red Riding Hood, the true version with the little girl shedding the red cape for a wolf skin coat, Howard broke out the political poetry that made us squirm in our seats a bit, my band performed as we really needed the practice for our upcoming gig at the Arc Saturday night, but the show stopper was hands down Papa Geno with his brilliant performance of his original piece entitled "In Praise of Disorganized Minds"

And give it up for DJ Bubble "G"

Thanks again for coming out!

fab night, we only turned up on the spur after curry & karting, and I really anjoyed it! Great tunes, relaxed... good fun!

I regret sitting THAT close to the stage now, lol

Has a month gone by already? Indeed it has, and that means this weekend heralds another Absolute Beginners Open Mic...and of course, another flyer...courtesy of the hunky mystery guy that gave all those girls such a thrill at Weiberfasching.

We're in it for the fun, as always, and there's still a solid 72 hours in which to perfect that bluegrass rendition of 'Feelings'. Hope to see you there!

I'll be there after going to the arc!!...(hmmm might just wait at the arc for papa to come with rope )

I know I am Twisted, because I love that picture with that title.

Credit due goes to Texas Tornado, then...whose dirty mind came up with the concept. Glad you like.

When we gonna see you and your trombone at one of these gigs, anyway?

[sing-song]Ohhhh...

Marzy dotes and dozy dotes
and little lamsy divey,
A kiddle etivey too, wouldn't you?

[/sing-song (before I get gonged off the forum...)]

Tonight's the night. Come on out and strut your stuff...or play god by judging those who do. Hope to see you there!

Well, last night was not a total disappointment, but it came close. Some interesting exchanges, including two members of the local English speaking theatre 'Entity' came out, and we had a fantastic chat...also a fellow who is a native English speaker but typically does his comedy routine in German (he has to translate his act into English before he feels comfortable with our stage! How strange...), and the highlight of the evening, for me, Howard coming out on his way to see House of Flying Daggers long enough to loan me a book entitled "Japanese Grotesqueries"--a strange little volume of Japanese prints featuring ghosts, skeletons, 'freaks' and demons. I was up until midnight poring over these pictures.

One thing that did not happen was a show...which may be some indication of the nature of this gig...because last month I was higher than the proverbial kite after a solid performance, and that high sustained me for a good 3 days...and yesterday, felt quite dispirited in light of no show. Two things that have always proven important, however, is to keep the space open, because people do come, and to get right back up on it after a disappointing show. So, with that in mind, those who came out were offered gutscheins as a form of apology for their taking the time to come see a show that didn't happen, and the staff committed themselves to scooting the show over to next week.

Yes, you heard right, next week.

That means I'll have a modified flyer up shortly, promoting a March 27th show, in the hopes that enough people are in town and in good health for us to have our usual good time. I have it on a fairly reliable source that an old favorite may just be in town for that show, and may be one of the featured acts. Do come out, and do consider whipping that act together to show your own skills off.

Flyer soon...and, jolly Monday a.m. to you all.

p_g

Yeah, I went to the twisted last night at about 7.20 - 7.30 and it was empty. One man and his dog and the stitch and bitch girls. As there wasn't even anyone behind the bar we just had a look around and then left. Presumed it was called off or just wasn't on. Shame really but the tasty indian we went for sure made up for it!!

Actually, the stitch and bitch girls didn't show either. That was jewelry girls last night.

Hmm, perhaps I'll make it next week, but just to watch as I'm not a particularly artistic type.

The man with his dog was most likely Juergen...the proprietor. In any case, I think there's an old Toytown favorite that might just make an appearance for next week. I'm chalking this week up to first weekend of Easter break, combined with the lingering effects of the grippe (which threw a HUGE spanner into my usual promotional efforts), and a lot of scheduling conflicts on the part of the regulars. Hopefully, Easter Sunday will prove a more blessed date.

Let's see...are there any other irreverent puns I can spin around that? How about---bring your best act out, and see if you can't get a Rise out of us? (okay, I'll stop...)

@ipj...apologies. Just seen beads an women an needles an those type of things an got all confused...being a man an all that

Well, then. Here are the modified details, and I have confirmation that the capable hands of our go-to DJ Bubble G will indeed be spinning those tunes. Plus: I think there a very likely chance that a certain TT denizen well known for a bit of sleight of hand just might be there to leave you with a sense of wonder at just how much the eye suffers in a race with the hand.

Best of all--I have just received the happy news that the Easter Bunny will indeed be making a visit, and plans on making the proper ovarian offerings. Come out, do--I suspect we're in for a magical evening--and we hope that some of you consider bringing along a little magic of your own.

See you then! p_g

[img]http://tomfrancis.dyndns.org/stuff/open%20mic%20flyers/3/Open%20Mic%203c_web.jpg[/img]

I'll give you hint. Four letter name starting with "M" ends with "O"

A special guest appearance from? M _ _ O

[post deleted]

KeyDeck, Word?

Most excellent, relatively quiet show (though not as quiet as the week before), due no doubt largely to the fact that we were competing with a major holiday...but a fun one, and we were blessed with the company of Memo, who thrilled and amazed the crowd and finally won the dinner for two. Other acts included a return engagement by the Texas Tornado Band (with a room-wide sing-along as part of the act), newcomer John Armstrong's comedy chops, and, by popular demand, a little body-moving by TT's own Judders to put the cherry on top of the sundae. Oh, and some guy named Gene read a little poetry. All that, plus the righteous DJing of TT's DJ Bubble G, and a guest appearance by what may have been the most disturbing incarnation of the Easter Bunny since Donnie Darko--complete with Easter eggs and chocolates all round.

Thanks, again, to all who came around, to perform, to judge, and just to watch us get our performative freak on up on the AB stage. Next one? Last Sunday of April, i.e. 24 April--don't forget to bring the sax along--and in the meantime, if you'd like to workshop an act, there's always the Schöpfer Stammtisch, which takes place every Tuesday, starting at 6 pm, at the Twisted Bavarian.

--with all hopes that we'll see you at the next one, and copious thanks to those who spent the waning hours of their Easter with us this go--p_g

Are we still on for this on the 24th?

Yepper doo!

Seating at 20:00 showtime 21:00

Memo did a brilliant trick last month. He made someone's bar tab disappear. How cool is that?

Door prizes include:

Dinner for 2 @ The Arc
Dinner for 2 @ the Twisted Bavarian
Free DVD rental from Missing Image
Two tickets to the English Comedy Club

That one's a classic.
It's called "doing a runner". It's a mathematical trick though. No sleight of hand involved...

wow I actually I might be able to make one of these...

P

It might be a wiser move to learn grammar before moving on to math Poots...

P.S.: Don't you go editing on me...

This is tonight, April 24th!!! I plan to be there. No performance from me though, I have no voice.

cool..sounds like fun.I'll come as well and bring 2 friends along 2.

It was good fun tonight, lots of talent in a variety of forms. A very pleasant way to spend a Sunday evening. Applause for all those who got up and performed and to Papa Geno for organising, as always.

Good, good fun, 8 acts, and a lot of solid stuff gracing our stage this go...Naomi finally made one of these, and pulled out a last minute act...the anchor position...and won the grand prize. Good on her...and good on everyone who got up and performed, and as always, props to DJ Bubble G for smoothing out the transitions.

I'm on the fly, but wanted to come by and say thanks to all participants--performers, judges, and audience alike. It was a warm, enjoyable evening, and everyone involved is to be commended.

Next month--Absolute Beginners enters the Terrible Twos, and we're throwing a birthday party, cake will be served, and I may just pop for a party keg to get us all started. That's the last Sunday of May, the 29th--mark your calendar and come out and celebrate with us.

Alright, more as the date comes closer, and thanks again to all who came out and made last night the joy that it was.

--p_g

Had a great time last night.Very nice intimate atmosphere.First time at Twisted Bavarian. Will definately be going back...
Applause to the organisers of this event...its something really refreshing to do on a Sunday evening.Also thanks for choosing me to be one of the judges(Nuraan).
C U next time...

Absolute Beginners enters the Terrible Twos--and you're invited to our birthday party. There will be cake, and much joyous silliness, to be had, and we would like to extend a very cordial invitation to all to come on out and be a part of our celebration. We will have, among our performers, the band Folk Train, and I know of a couple of other regulars who have very special performances arranged for the evening of May 29th. Do come out and celebrate 2 full years of Munich's most irreverent English speaking open mic.

--p_g

Well, kids, this is the weekend. I know for sure that there are at least 5 acts already signed up, and that usually means a lot more on the night in question. For time purposes, I do have to limit the slots to 12, so if you've something you're really itching to contribute to the birthday party, might be wise to go ahead and PM me and get signed up early. There'll probably be a couple slots left on the night in question, though, so even if you don't get your request in early, do come out.

3 musicians, two with full bands, including Folk Train, which, as the name suggests, play folk music--but a broad enough sense of that genre to include folks like Niel Young. Evan (one of the wait staff here at the Twisted) also has a band, and they'll be gracing the stage with their own original songs, and Stephan, an old hand at the AB stage, is supposed to be making an appearance, as well. Memo has suggested he'll be contributing some new material as well, and Asher, the man who played bouncer on that magic night when the performers were heckled by a strange man asking irrelevant questions, will be bringing the kampftanz back to our stage. We've also contacted Eruin, the cook/opera singer that you can sometimes catch late at night at the Turkenhof--with any luck, he'll find himself free, and we can celebrate his birthday as well. And smoothing the transitions will be Absolute Beginner's in house DJ--and only the best one in all of Munich--DJ Bubble G. All of that, and 'Gene's poetry corner' to boot. Do come out and help us celebrate our problem child's continued vitality--and get in on the food and drink specials as well: 5 Euro cali style burritos and 1,50 Proseccos all night long.

Oh, and did I mention cake? We have cake.

See you there. p_g

Shoosh, Editor Bob, thanks for the move up into the VIP area. I just pulled 3 fairly gigantic chocolate fudge cakes from the Twisted oven, and Juergen makes the mousse and ganache & puts the lot together later this eve. Gonna be chocolate heaven, methinks. & lots of good, dirty fun to go with it. I'ma gettin' kinda excited--can't wait to see y'all there.

p_g