Introducing Open-Mic.Org
My jam group needed a way for us to sign up online for our first Open-Mic. I volunteered to put something together. I couldn't find any tools online, so as a software engineer by trade, I built an open-mic service that allows anyone to become a host, and manage their own events, performers and live performances. This can be done on a continual basis, without ever needing I.T. support or web site changes. Everything is self-managed.
This service is secure, and all users must be authenticated, whether you're a host or a performer. When signing up, email addresses must be verified.
There are lots of bells and whistles, such as built-in live-streaming, archiving, and SMS messages for performers when their set is coming up. These features take your event to the next level. Events are live-streamed directly to YouTube, and also to the Host's private live-stream page. Archives are available within the app, or on our YouTube Replay channel.
However, the heart of the service is simple. We take all the chaos out of sign-up process. Once a host creates an event, the performers register for that group, and create and manage their own profiles. Then, they create their own sets in the lineup. When it's time for the event, our Live Performance feature manages the event with ease. No one falls through the cracks, and everyone gets a proper introduction.
Robust communication options between Hosts and Performers. Open-Mic also promotes collaboration between the players in a group, and accompaniment can be requested from other players.
This service is packed with features that benefit hosts, performers and venues. It has been in use for two years, and has been refined and improved through feedback from our users. Currently, there are 120+ users.
Free 30-Day Trial available. Get started with no payment, and no credit card. Subscription fees (very reasonable) are paid by the Host. Always FREE for players.
Exceptional Customer Service!
My name is Chris. I can be reached anytime at chris@open-mic.org
Open-Mic Home Page: https://open-mic.org
I like that this started from a real need inside your own jam group rather than from an abstract product idea. Making recurring events self-managed without ongoing IT support sounds especially valuable. What has been harder so far: convincing hosts to change their existing workflow, or getting performers to create and use accounts? I’m also curious whether SMS notifications and live streaming drive retention, or whether the signup and scheduling flow remains the main value.
Great questions.
Convincing current (and potential) Open-Mic Hosts to move away from the "pen and paper" way of running an Open-Mic event is a challenge. That's the way it has always been done. It's a very chaotic way to do things, and things fall through the cracks all the time.
The live-streaming definately a popular feature. Our jams are live-streamed and watched by friends and family. Additionally, the archiving feature means a lot to the performers. It's a keep-sake for their performance, that can be shared and enjoyed forever. Here's a link to a recent event that was "archived". https://open-mic.org/watch_archive/roswell-music-jam/2026-06-30
The SMS feature is popular, since many performers are warming up in another room, or even outside. This text message gives them a heads up that it's time to head toward the stage. Most of the performers in my jam group use this feature.
The part that stood out was starting with a narrow operational problem and then expanding into the rest of the event workflow around it.
Products that become the system people already rely on tend to grow from solving one recurring pain exceptionally well, rather than launching with every feature from day one.
It's called Continuous Improvement. This service has been in operation for over 2 years. These "extra features" you reference have been added gradually, to make it a better product. Features like "archiving" provide a way for performers to enjoy and share their set with anyone, anytime. My users love it!
That makes sense.
The interesting part then is how those additions evolved from real user behavior over time.
Would be curious to understand which changes had the biggest impact as the product matured.
What's the best email to reach you on?
I'm not allowed to send links yet, just signed up yesterday. You can reach me via the contact page. I get a text (and email) whenever anyone sends a message.
Thanks! I’ve just sent it over at chris@open-mic.org
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts whenever you have a chance.