DA RULES

Butlers Coffee is currently seeking local, acoustic-based musicians and singer-songwriters interested in sharpening their skills before a live audience.

I'm Kevin Burton Smith, Butler's music guy, and what I'd like to see is a place where local acts can strut their stuff, where singer-songerwriters can hone their material and where High Desert music lovers can kick back and enjoy some good honest music and some good honest java.

Who knows? We may discover the next Bob Dylan or Hank Williams or Joni Mitchell or Dave Matthews or uh, Hannah Montana.

Folk, jazz, rock, soul, pop, blues... we're seeking to offer an eclectic but welcoming coffeehouse atmosphere, something currently sorely lacking in the Antelope Valley.

I love rock'n'roll, but there won't be a mosh pit, smoke bombs, forty-three-piece choreographed dance troupes or ear-bleeding volume at Butler's. Think acoustic. Think unplugged.

Generally, we prefer groups of three or less members. Okay, maybe four (if they're skinny), but remember, the stage ain't all that big...


For our Showcases, you should be ready to perform a set of at least 45 minutes. For Java Jams, be prepared for a thirty-minute set.


Please be ready to plug in and play. We do have a sound system and two mikes.


Butler's is primarily geared toward acoustic music. While we do tolerate electric guitars, keyboards and the like, we lean toward the acoustic side of things. Keep it simple.


We offer LIVE music. So please -- no backing tracks, no click tracks or AutoTune. If you can't cut it live, Butler's is not the venue for you.


The first set is at 7:00. Please be there for 6:30 at the latest, whether you're first up or not. Support your fellow musicians. If you're not there, you're nowhere.


If you're going to be late or if you have to cancel, don't wait until the last moment. Let me know as soon as possible (ie: not 20 minutes before showtime). My personal phone number (for emergencies only) is 661-273-7703. Butler's number is 661-272-9530. Cancellations and tardiness will not get you into rock'n'roll heaven.


Groups and performers must bring their own instruments and equipment. A house sound system, including two mikes and a soundboard, is available.


Right now, all acts are by invitation only. It's our way of building up a repetoire of local acts we can draw upon (and count upon), and encouraging a vibrant local music scene. If you want to play, APPLY!


This ain't Disneyland, but it is a family business. So please: no smoke bombs, no profanity, no drugs, no booze, no human sacrifice. Please wear pants.


As loathsome as I find censorship, this is the Antelope Valley, after all. So please be careful what you're singing about. Lyrics relating to explicit sex or extreme violence will not be tolerated, and ignorant and/or intolerant opinions about race, politics, religion, sexual preference, etc. are not welcome. If you think there might be an issue, check it out with me.


We're also not a church, a temple, a mosque or a sacred place. Belief in music is all we (and you) should ask of our audience


Having said that, though, please feel free to bring family and friends to cheer you on. You can leave the livestock at home.The bigger the crowd, the better for you. And for us.


On a related note, please make sure your family and friends know Butler's is a business -- not a charity. No outside food or drink. Patrons are expected to BUY SOMETHING (this may seem unnecessarily obvious to point out, but there are a lot of deadbeats out there). By supporting Butler's Coffee, they are supporting YOU. Attracting a big crowd is good -- attracting a big crowd of cheapskates, moochers and rude surly people who disrespect other acts is BAD (and may affect us asking you to perform again).


And as if this isn't enough to scare you away, OPEN MIKE NIGHTS have its own set of rules right here....

So, if you're a local musician or singer-songwriter interested in performing both original music and well-chosen covers, please print out and send an application and a demo CD or cassette (or a link to your MySpace page), if available, to:

Kevin Burton Smith
Music Guy, Butler's Coffee
40125 10th St .West, Suite I
Palmdale, CA
93551
661-273-7703

Let us know a little about yourself.

Any questions or comments? Feel free to contact Kevin via e-mail. He doesn't bite.

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