Plugged In and Turned On
A Guide to Local Open Mic Nights
By Susan Schaul
Open mic nights are like powerful magnets attracting amateur musicians, songwriters, poets and comediennes. People of every stripe, shape, color, age and gender are drawn to this format — like the two young guys who started singing together in a high school band, or the experienced ponytailed musician who is coming back from retirement to see if he still “has it,” or the distinguished African-American who creates unique guitar sounds, or the long blond-haired young woman excited to try out her new songs – they all love feeling the energy, the inspiration, and even the heart palpitations standing in front of a live audience. And who knows, maybe they’ll be discovered or earn gig, at least they can sell their CDs.
Northeast Ohio is lucky to have such an abundance of talent. The performers who attend open mic events quickly befriend each other and form a strong creative community. The venues are as varied as the participants. Generally speaking, coffee houses, taverns and bars will schedule Open Mic nights, choosing one designated night a week (usually Mondays – Thursdays) and one front contact person, the host, to coordinate the event. The host will supply speakers, mics and wiring if not already connected at the venue. Musicians and performers need to check the schedules for sign-up and start times. Open mic hosts may pass around a hat to collect tip money for the artists.
In the words of the Cleveland songwriter/folksinger Bob Sammon:
“And the open mic is where I sing my heart out,
It’s where I go to try to get a gig,
It’s where I learn just how new songs go over,
It’s where I always dream I’ll make it big.”
It’s a great night out to hear live music and support your friendly local performers. Here is an incomplete, ever-changing list of open mic venues:
Monday
MoCa
10435 Clifton Blvd.
Cleveland
216-961-6799
Stop 45 Tavern and Wine Bar
153 Lear Road
Avon Lake
440-653-5100
Sign up 7:30pm, start 8pm
Kobalt
2261 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights
216-321-0736
Sign up 10pm, start 10:30pm
Eclectic styles
Phoenix Coffee
1854-A Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights
216-932-5282
Sign up 7:30pm, start 8pm
The Seekers Coffee House
9443 Mentor Avenue
Mentor
440-255-5282
Starts 7pm
Tuesday
Winchester
12112 Madison Avenue
Lakewood
216-226-5681
Starts 9pm
Trios
13362 Madison Avenue
Lakewood
216-226-8828
Starts at 10pm
Barking Spider
11310 Juniper Road
University Circle
Starts 8pm, Acoustic style
Root Café
15118 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood
216-226-4401
Starts 8pm, Acoustic and poetry
B Side Liquor Lounge
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd.
Cleveland Heights
216-932-1966
Lyrical rhythm poetry and soul
Wednesday
Euclid Tavern
11629 Euclid Avenue
University Circle
216-231-7066
Rock, acoustic, jazz, classical, poetry
Phoenix Coffee
2287 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights
216-932-8227
Thursday
Phoenix Coffee
4441 Mayfield Road
South Euclid
216-381-5705
Open Mic Hosts: Charlie Mosbrook (Phoenix Coffee), Xela (Root Café), Gary Hall and Will Cheshier (Barking Spider), Samantha Bako (MoCa, Trios, Euclid Tavern).
What did we miss? Leave a comment and let us know!
For more info on local Open Mic sessions, visit http://OpenMicCleveland.com, http://NeOpenMic.com and http://PanduhMoniac.wordpress.com.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul, who says the act of writing is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. The challenge lies in getting the pieces to fit together and make sense.
15 Responses to “A Guide to Local Open Mic Nights”
Amy Callahan
The Cafe at Arts Collinwood hosts an open mic night every Thursday starting at 8pm.
15605 Waterloo Rd
Cleveland, OH 44110
216-692-9500
Pat
Becky’s (1762 E. 18th St., corner of 18th and Chester) does Open Mic on Sundays. I think it starts at 9 but you may want to check (216 621-0055).
Ann
You can find more NE Ohio open mic listings at http://www.afterthegig.com/calendars/march2012.html in the blue “Jams Box.”
Kevin Palm
The Winchester also has Open Mic on Thursday nights!
Cathy
Check out After the Gig for a great listing of open mic/jam nights. It’s always updated!
Carolyn
G.A.R. Hall in Peninsula has open mic every third thursday – peninsulahistory.org
Luke
Wednesday nights, Open Mic Night with The Hedgehogs Dilemma.
34598 Lakeshore blvd., Eastlake
starts at 9:30
Drums and PA provided.
Luke
duh, the place is the Circle Lounge.
Jeffrey Bowen
Brothers Lounge Late Night Jazz Jam on Tuesdays @ 10:00
http://www.brotherslounge.com/
Screaming Rooster Jam Tuesdays @ 8:00
http://www.thescreamingrooster.com/
ParkView NiteClub Wednesdays @ 9:30 pm
http://www.parkviewniteclub.com/default.htm
Jeffrey Bowen
Oops, Brothers is on Monday night, NOT Tuesday! sorry about that…
Maureen
The Beck Cafe in Lakewood
WEDNESDAYs at 7:30
and
Edison’s in Tremont on
TUESDAY night
Nick Zuber
Hi! I have been hosting Open Mic on tuesdays at the Hooley House in Mentor for the past 4 years. I was wondering how to submit it to this site? Thanks!
Steve
Hooley House – Mentor
Tuesday – 9pm
7861 Reynolds Rd.
Mentor, OH 44060
Angelle Sheridan
Every Wednesday, open mic jam night at Stage Pass Tavern 30525 Euclid Ave Wickliffe Ohio
Hosted by The jets ft Angelle Sheridan
8-11
Angelle Sheridan
Every Tuesday, open mic jam night at Giovanni’s Pizza & Pub 30829 Euclid Ave Willowick Ohio
Hosted by Angelle Sheridan