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Welcome to Shepard & Jourdan's Open Mic Talent Search
Open Mic Sessions are held every Monday at the Iguana
240 W. 54th Street, New York, NY
(Between Broadway & 8th Avenue, right around the corner from the David Letterman show.)
Sign-in begins at 6:30PM and the session usually ends between 8:30 and 9:00PM

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Don't let anyone step on your dreams!!!
We provide opportunities for singers/acts to be booked in our weekly cabaret show, and to be seen by industry executives, and to be submitted to record companies, agencies, cruise lines, and Atlantic City.

Our discoveries have appeared with the legendary Quincy Jones, in Las Vegas, on Broadway, in Atlantic City, on Cruises, on NBC's Today Show, on Star Search, on MTV, in the New York Post, the New York Daily News, on Shepard & Jourdan television special on CBS, on The Latin Music Awards at the Kennedy Center, in the We Are The Future Concert in Rome which appeared on MTV, CNN and in Radio City Music Hall.

We look forward to seeing you on an upcoming Monday at the Iguana!!
Billy & Judi

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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Open Mic Sessions
Q. Must I make an appointment?
A. No. Sign-in begins at 6:30PM and is continuous. Once you get to Iguana, fill out the sign-in sheet that will be provided. Please fill it out completely and legibly, including a brief description of why you are attending the session. You will be called to sing by the Talent Coordinator. Singers do not necessarily perform in the order they arrived for the evening. Everyone that signs-in will be called on to perform.
Q. How many songs will I sing?
A. All singers will sing at least one song. If time permits, it may be possible to sing another song.
Q. Is this a competition?
A. No. You will be singing with the opportunity to be booked as a featured singer in a future Shepard & Jourdan Showcase. Billy & Judi are nurturing and supportive of new performers, and our audiences are always courteous and supportive to all.
Q. May I video or audio record the session?
A. No. All audio and video recording are done exclusively by Shepard & Jourdan's GottaSingNYC, and all other recording is strictly prohibited. We send recordings of some of our talent to industry executives for their review, and also post many of our videos on our YouTube channel www.YouTube.com/GottaSingNYC
Q. Can I bring family and friends to the session?
A. Yes. All sessions are open to the public, and it’s good to have family and friends in the audience, especially if this is your first time on stage.
Q. Is there an age restriction?
A. No. It's all about ability. Minors must attend with a parent or guardian.
Q. Is there an admission charge?
A. No. There is no admission or cover charge for you and your guests. There is $5.00 food/beverage minimum per person.
Q. What happens after I sing?
A. After you sing, the Talent Coordinator will hand you your sign-in sheet. Take the sheet to either Judi Jourdan or Billy Shepard, and one of them will discuss your performance with you, and give you advice and direction, and may book you for a future Showcase.
Q. Can I sing to a backing track?
A. Yes. You may bring an audio backing track on either a CD or MP3-Player. We do not keep any of your materials; all will be returned to you immediately after you perform. You may not lip sync or use a track that has a lead vocal.
Q. Is there a piano player or do I have to bring my own accompanist?
A. We provide an outstanding pianist for you at no charge; you are responsible for bringing your own sheet music, which will be returned after you perform. If you have your own accompanist or are self-accompanied, there is a keyboard there for your use, also at no charge.
Q. Can I perform music that I composed?
A. Yes. Singer-Songwriters are always welcome.
Q. I'm not sure if I'm ready. Can I attend a session just to watch?
A. Yes. All sessions are open to the public. If you decide during the session that you want to sing, fill out a sign-in sheet and give it to the Talent Coordinator. Make sure you have a backing track or sheet music with you, just in case!
Q. Can I bring my own equipment and plug into your sound board?
A. Yes. The sound system at Iguana is there for your use. You can plug-in using standard 1/4" or XLR plugs. We also have the ability to "mic" your acoustic guitar. There is no need to bring your own amp to the open mic session. The keyboard at Iguana is also there for your use. There is no charge to plug in or for using the keyboard.

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