Yatko / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Ever since Covid-19 became responsible for a widespread closure of bars and restaurants, Pam Burns live-streamed open mic has become a vital new medium for emerging artists.

The Maple Ridge musician struck gold on March 25th, when she created her Facebook page, Corona Open mic. To Burns’ astonishment, the group jumped from 10 to 559 members almost overnight. Members hail from Metro Vancouver, all the way to Japan! Corona Open mic currently sits at 586 members.

Pam Burns is no stranger to the entertainment industry; prior to the pandemic induced shutdown across BC, Burns hosted Kanaka Open Mic, a weekly live music event at Kanaka Creek Coffee House in Maple Ridge. In nearly at the Kanaka Creek, she’s hosted over a thousand shows. Regardless, she never suspected that her online group would grow so rapidly.

Every day, Burns wakes up to an abundance of content from musicians all across the world. Her submissions are have come all the way from the Netherlands, Iceland, Japan, and our neighbors across the border. She watches every video through to completion. Corona Open mic features music from a wide variety of genres; the only rule is, musicians must perform an original song, or cover piece, accompanied by an instrument. The group has even featured classical music and opera. The bar is far from low, however.

While Pam Burns attributes her group’s success to a trendy name, she’s tapped into a critical new niche for emerging musicians everywhere. Ever since spring, there’s been a noticeable (necessary)lack in live music and performance, leaving both musicians and consumers starved for their fix. This platform provides incredible connections for budding musicians, coincidentally Pam’s favorite part about the endeavor.

Perhaps the neatest feature of Corona Open mic, is what Pam calls ‘cam jams’. Two or more artists perform different ‘layers’ of a song and collaborate with each other to create a virtual music group or band.

Burns is optimistic that live music will return to Kanaka Creek in 2021 but remains very concerned for local musicians. Intermittently, if you’re live-streaming a musical performance, please consider donating if the option exists.