Vivid crimson flyers designed to peak students’ interest were posted on campus this week, advertising an acoustic open microphone at The Lucky Devil Bar and Grill.

The flyer welcomed all styles and levels of musical ability to join in the event’s “fun and encouraging atmosphere.”

The run-down bar is veiled behind a corner on Apache Boulevard in Tempe, but patrons would argue that the real magic lies behind its tarnished doors.

Just a hop and a skip from Arizona State University’s campus, students will discover a dark room occupied with musicians and their desire to just play. Every Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., The Lucky Devil features raw and real performances from local artists around the Valley at “Open Mic” night.

Aside from the classic wraparound bar lined with wooden stools and a few green felt-covered pool tables, the venue provides a feeling of comfort. Local artists fill The Lucky Devil with genuine personality, giving it a sense of community. And every Thursday some musicians show up to share their music with those who care to hear it.

Andy Mortensen, owner of The Lucky Devil, started the open mic night a year ago. Previously, the bar had only featured blues performances. When the weekly open mic shows began to attract more of a college demographic, Mortensen decided it was time to offer more diverse performances.

The venue supports all genres of music from renditions of classic rock to local bands playing their own originals. Up to 15 bands will perform their music back to back at The Lucky Devil.

Later in the evening, English literature and political science senior Mark Petre charmed the crowd with a guitar performance. Petre has played at about 25 open microphone nights around the Valley, and has been involved in music for the past 13 years.

He stumbled across The Lucky Devil a few years ago, became friends with the owner, and he said the rest is history.

Among the lineup of weekly performers is Shawn Daily, a 34-year-old musician from Tempe who has been playing the guitar, drums, saxophone and bass guitar since junior high.

Daily played his version of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” and his own original song “My Baby Left Me.”

The local artist has been performing for The Lucky Devil’s open mic night every Thursday for the past six months.

He fondly describes The Lucky Devil as his “Cheers,” referring to the ’80s television bar “where everybody knows your name.”

Reach the reporter at kelsey.groetken@asu.edu.