ABOUT BREW TUNES
Each month we host an open mic competition in the Duck Pin Room of Union Craft Brewing (1700 W 41st St #420, Baltimore, MD 21211). Songwriters 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.
RULES
Two original songs (up to 10 minutes) are performed by an unsigned act of up to 3 people. No drum kits, effects, loops, pedals, 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 is $11 per person which includes one drink (tip included).
Seating is first come.
Doors open at 6:00pm. Competition begins at 7:00pm.
Performers are not allowed to compete two months in a row. The order of performance will be chosen by chance the night of the show.
Audience members and performers must purchase a ticket for each person. Performers must arrive by 6:30pm to be included in the show.
PRIZES
Every performance will be video recorded and made available online. Prizes for top spots include a photo session, studio recording time, opening spots at local venues, amongst other rewards. Winners of each event will be added to our website with a link and will be given a Brew Tunes laurel for promotion.
HOST
Michael Ivan Schwartz, who owns Loud Communications, is an independent documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Baltimore. 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. He served as photography sponsor for The Depot open mic series. 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.
