Ben Bruce

The premise

The Lone Microphone is an event series that brings together audiences that appreciate intimate and emotional performances with high-caliber solo performers.

The rules

1. Listen to the music.

When I lived in Austin, I was struck by the fact that in music venues, the seats all face the stage. Those people listen. If you are talking (read: "chatting," not "making a comment to your neighbor"), move to the back of the room -- then you won't bother someone who is listening.

1. Support the performers.

We ask for donations of $5 -- that's low enough that most people can pay it without pain, and high enough that taken together it can make a sizable pot. If you can't pay $5 tonight, pay $3, or $2. Or finally, if the choice is between donating or buying a beer, buy the beer! Next time.

1. Vote for your favorite set.

You vote by giving the artist your E-mail address. You can give your address to more than one performer, but please don't submit it twice to the same performer (it just makes it harder to count). At the end of the night we'll count the votes and the winner takes the door money.