ABOUT BREW TUNES
Each month we host an open mic competition for singer-songwriters in the Duck Pin Room of Union Craft Brewing (1700 W 41st St #420, Baltimore, MD 21211). Artists perform 2 original songs (up to 10 minutes) and are judged by industry professionals. The top 2 performers of the night return to the stage for one new song. The judges pick the winner who will be eligible to compete in our end of year bracket competition.
ARTISTS
JUDGES
• Mike Davis - Co-Host of Sanity Lounge, Baltimore Artist & Prop Maker
• Peter Watts - Photographer, Adventurer, Philanthropist
• Jonathan Ball - Music Executive, Creative Strategist, and Cofounder of Dream Launchers
ARTISTS
JUDGES
• Nelly’s Echo - Singer-Songwriter
• Sheridan Costa - Art Gallery Owner at The Alchemy of Art
• Scott Burkholder - Principal Agent of Burkholder Agency, a Talent Agency
RULES
Two original songs (up to 10 minutes) are performed by an unsigned act of up to 3 people. No drum kits, pre-recorded tracks, or amps. Performances are judged in the following equally weighted categories:
1. Songwriting
2. Instrument skill
3. Vocal quality
4. Stage presence
5. Audience reaction
After all performances, the top two return to the stage for one last original song that has not been played that night. The judges pick a final winner of the evening.
ENTRY
Cost for the audience is $16 per person ($20 at the door) which includes one drink (tip included). We will have non-alcoholic drinks available. Food is available for purchase. Performing artists do not have to pay for entry the night of their show.
Seating is first come.
Doors open at 6:00pm. Competition begins at 7:00pm.
Performers are not allowed to compete more than once in a season. The order of performance will be revealed the night of the show.
Performers must arrive by 6:30pm to be included in the show. We will contact you via email after receiving your sign up form.
PRIZES
Every performance will be photographed and video recorded, and these will be made available online. Prizes for top spots include things like a photo session, studio recording time, vocal lessons, opening spot at a local venue, and other awards. Winners of each event will be added to our website with a link.
HOST
Michael Ivan Schwartz, who owns Loud Communications, is an independent documentary filmmaker and fine art portrait photographer based in Baltimore, Maryland. With over 25 years experience in production, he has directed dozens of music videos, live performances, and artist documentaries. He hosted a house concert series called Big Deck Shows for several years, served as photography sponsor for The Depot open mic, and created the Hidden Tracks series for The Friends of Patterson Park. His love for music, finding upcoming talent, and helping artists make a living from their art drives him to create spaces like Brew Tunes.
GOALS
The aim of Brew Tunes is to encourage local, regional, and touring acts coming through to sign up to perform at a monthly open mic competition. We want to provide an active audience who want to witness quality unsigned artists. Our hope is this will help grow the Baltimore music scene, provide songwriters a chance to shine, grow artists’ fan base, connect musicians to industry folks, and provide music lovers an ear to folks they don’t yet know.
