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Local Music Tap: Part-Time Musicians 'Get On The Grid'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- "Get On The Grid" is kind of like a real-life Craigslist for musicians, but without all the unknowns.

On Sunday afternoon, a variety of part-time musicians strolled into the Icehouse in south Minneapolis with a few goals: Socialize, jam and hopefully collaborate.

Mike Michel, the organizer of the event, says he really just wants people to play music and meet each other, because it's a difficult thing to do when you're older.

"Basically, the event is pretty innocent. I found that people over 30 typically start having families, a day job, they're traveling, etc., so it's really hard to meet people. This is just a quick face-to-face fix of getting everybody in the room who has once played music and is rediscovering it or discovering it for the first time," Michel said. "There really isn't a whole lot of support for adults, or there isn't enough in large quantities, so I'm trying to fill that void."

In addition to mingling, attending musicians were encouraged to fill out "Musician Wanted" or "Musician Available" forms detailing their musical abilities and if they'd like to join a band or need a musician to complete a band.

"Get On The Grid"
(credit: CBS)

Guitarist Damon Frybarger, who's looking to join or create a cover band, attended the event because he's exhausted other avenues.

"I've checked Craigslist, BandMix, City Pages, flyers or posters at music stores and haven't had a whole lot of luck. It's really like finding a needle in a haystack. You're looking for something that fits your personality and what you have a passion for … and it's better to meet people face-to-face. Then, you can get a good sense of their direction and go from there," Frybarger said.

If mingling wasn't enough, musicians had the opportunity to showcase their skills at the "Acoustic Chill Corner" section, where organizers set up instruments, including guitars, bass, and drums.

"Get On The Grid"
(credit: CBS)

In the end, Michel's expectations for the event are quite simple.

"Hopefully, everybody here gets at least gets one tip, one person, one lead to further their music passion. Whatever that may be," Michel said.

So, if you are a musician who'd be interested in an event like this, there are more events are expected (keep tabs here), but there are things you can do in the meantime.

"The first thing I would do is to check out OpenMicMinneapolis.com. That's actually a really good resource. I've found that there are open mics and open jams seven nights a week on all four corners of the Twin Cities."

Keep jamming, Minnesota.

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Local Music Tap is a new blog aimed at promoting Minnesota-based musicians, bands and shows. If you have music blog ideas, please email cepremo@wcco.com or leave a comment below. Also, follow the Local Music Tap on Twitter and on YouTube.

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