"Open Mic Madness has moved from its normal August slot to
October 3-8 at Smith's Olde Bar! Past winners include Avenge Vegas, The Whigs,
and Bain Mattox. Music madman (and Atlanta Music Guide Music Awards host) Josh
Rifkind runs the annual single elimination tournament, which features over 120
bands/musicians performing their original music. Prizes include two full days
at Nickel & Dime Recording Studios with platinum producer Don McCollister,
a performance slot on The Rock Boat, and more. To register and find out more
information, visit
www.openmicmadness.com." (from the front page of AtlantaMusicGuide.com)
click here to read the full article on the Atlanta Music Guide
I ran into Josh Rifkind, ring leader of Open Mic Madness, last night at Smith's
Olde Bar. We were both there to check out the Atlantis Music Conference
showcase. I used to know a lot of people in the local Atlanta Music community.
A few years ago, I would have known a few people there. The only person I was
familiar with was Josh. He, on the other hand, knows everyone. He knows whose
doing what, who’s worth checking out, how long they've been at it, and what
their hold back is (sometimes). He knows this because he's is a true music
aficionado. He is passionate about the local musicians and Atlanta’s music
community. He was one of the five folk standing front stage and bouncing his
head along to the music. Which one? He’s the one with the veritable mop of red,
curly hair.
He is still accepting applications to Open Mic Madness. If you are a musician,
and you want exposure, don’t miss this opportunity! I’m playing again this
year. I am actually going to practice and prepare. Frankly, I don’t think I am
going to take the crown, there is some very stiff competition. But I will try,
and I’ll enjoy playing to and absolutely packed – Smiths Olde Bar.