'Bedrock' talent showcase takes place in Haebangchon

Nick Robbins performs acoustic music at “Buskers at Bedrock” in Haebangchon, Seoul, on May 11. / Courtesy of Bedrock

By John Redmond

Seoul’s musicians, dancers, comedians and spoken word artists are invited to participate in “Buskers at Bedrock,” an open mic event at Bedrock in Haebangchon, Seoul, every Wednesday night starting 8 p.m. for a chance to compete in a final on June 4.

The talent showcase will give audience members a chance to vote for their favorite act of each evening leading up to the June finals.

“The act with the most votes at the end of the evening will receive a 30,000 won bar tab and will go on to feature in the monthly Bedrock showcase on June 4,” the event organizer says on the Facebook page.

“We are now accepting signups for acts of all kinds ― live music, comedy, spoken word, dance, and more. The first slots will be signups of 10 minutes (or three songs for musicians) each."

Event emcee and organizer Mimi Roh told The Korea Times, “I wanted to develop a concept of bringing music and other performances to a common public space.”

A new concept, Roh explained that the “Buskers” evening has been well received.

“News of the evening spread by word of mouth and lots of artists became interested in being part of this. Also it’s a collaborative effort,” said Roh in a telephone interview.

Roh has plans for the event to become a hub for local talent, “as a meeting place for local musicians and artists who can later collaborate on each other’s work,” as she described. “We want to make this a creative space for all.”

When asked about the finals in June, Roh said there are plans of putting together video recordings to share online.

“I would like to video the finals, with the performers’ consent, and post some clips on social network sites,” added Roh.

Opening in 2015, Bedrock is managed by Simon Hoppe.

To get to Bedrock, leave exit 2 of Noksapyeong Station. Walk straight to the intersection and veer left at the kimchi pots. Walk about 400 meters up the hill. Bedrock is on the left.

For more information, search for “Buskers at Bedrock” on Facebook.