The Guitar Social Open Mic

Welcome to the worlds best open mic and a new way to support live music

The Guitar Social is the UK's largest in-person provider of group guitar tuition. We also host overseas retreats and when we're not doing that, we host events, just like this one. 

Our open mics and events are unique. Unlike traditional pub venues, we run these events with a no profit motive. However, we do have costs to cover, such as bar staff, venue usage, advertising and the many admin hours it takes to keep music happening every week. 

 We understand that paying for open mics might be new for some and as far as I am aware, paying to attend on a crowdfunding platform is unheard of. But stick with me on this one, we're going somewhere. 

The Guitar Social believes that  CrowdFunder is primed to revolutionise how tickets are purchased for live music and comedy events. This weekly open mic, which has now run for over six years, is our test pilot. If we can prove that crowdfunding gig tickets works, we can take it to a bigger stage. 

The way tickets are sold and the platforms that tickets are sold on is nearly always nothing less than gross. Something needs to change, and the actual musicians that play on a local level and the people that organise live music need a new way to go about making their music happen. I think that there is another way. I think music can be crowdfunded online, using platforms that don't set out to exploit the game with behaviours that go beyond the boundaries of acceptable enterprise. 

We can also use our ticket funds to support relevant causes, that's why, 10% of all ticket sales I raise on Crowdfunder will be gifted to helpmusicians.org

We understand that not everyone has spare cash. That's why we have a £1 option for those between jobs or unable to work.  Beyond that there are separate tiers of payment options for you to explore. 

We will never charge musicians to pay, however, there are options for players to have their work recorded, filmed and photographed, if they choose to do so.

Every contribution goes directly into enhancing this event and future Guitar Social activities with a small amount set aside for charitable causes. With more funds, we can get even more creative. We aim to improve onstage monitoring, make professional-level recordings of performances, and support the artists who perform with us as they develop their onstage careers.

If you have any questions, please just get in touch. 

See on Friday, and every Friday after that. And the Friday after that. For ever, and ever.