Open Mics, Jam sessions and more

Hosted by Murdock Swails of Murdock & The Mortals, our Open Mic Sessions are your chance to step into the spotlight and share your sound with the Long Road crowd.

The sessions are relaxed, acoustic and open to anyone. We’re looking for everything from country and Americana covers to original songs – if it fits the Long Road wheelhouse, we want to hear it.

Each performer can play up to two songs, with a preference for keeping your set under eight minutes. Duos are welcome, with a maximum of two performers on stage at once.

There’s no complicated audition process or advance application. Just turn up to the Showground during the session and sign up with Murdock. Places are first-come, first-served, so stick around, support your fellow performers and be ready to jump in if a spot opens up.

You’ll need to bring yourself and whatever you want to play – although there’ll also be a house guitar available. The stage is set up simply with two mic inputs and two DI inputs, keeping the focus firmly on the music.

Sign up during the sessions at the Showground each day at midday, and take your turn in the spotlight.

A jam session for everyone

The Open Mic doesn’t have to end when you leave the stage.

The Hootenanny is a relaxed, jump-in, jump-out jam session, seeded by the musicians who meet through the Open Mic. It’s all about getting people together, picking up an instrument and playing.

Whether you want to lead a song, join someone else’s tune or simply see where the music takes you, come along and get involved. No big stage, no pressure – just musicians making music together.

So grab your guitar, warm up your voice and come ready to join the jam every evening at The Hitching Post.

Fancy adding a little more twang to your sound?

Our harmonica workshops are a chance to pick up some new skills, learn from fellow musicians and get to grips with one of country and Americana’s most iconic instruments.

Bring your own C harmonica and come along ready to learn, play and have a go – whether you’re completely new to the harmonica or looking to sharpen up your skills. Sunday at The Showground.