Whether it's singing with a guitar or reading poetry, open mic nights are a part of aspiring musicians' and poets' exposure to performing.
They also make for great nights out after long days of class, when the best medicine is a cup of coffee and some great music. Some students, like theatre junior William Crook, have gone to different open mics for years as both an audience member and a performer.
Here, SPM breaks down some of the more popular open mic nights around the Valley.
Willow House
1722 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix
Monday nights, 8 to 11 p.m.
At its prior location, the Willow House's Open Mic was a premiere place to see different types of acts — banjo players, accordion enthusiasts, best friends singing a capella while holding hands, stand-up comedians and the typical guys-with-guitars. After moving to its new location last month, the open mic night is still slowly coming together again, though Crook says, "It seems it's not as cool anymore." Ghosts of the old location still play sporadically, and Andrew Jackson Jihad's Sean Bonnette performs almost every week (when not on tour).
For more information: 602-252-0272
Bookman's Entertainment Exchange
1056 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa
Last Saturday of every month, 2 p.m.
Hosted by singer-guitarist-songwriter Sage Gentle-Wing, Bookman's open mic "night" isn't at night at all. The afternoon music showcase isn't just a place to play your new song, either – it's a competition. Bookman's offers many other nights, too, including Monday's weekly gaming night (according to the Web site, "newbies welcome"), chess nights on Wednesdays and free classes throughout the month. Signing up and performing in the open mic competition is completely free, and prizes range from money to gift cards to baskets, depending on who is sponsoring the event.
For more information: 480-835-0505
Big Fish Pub
1954 E. University Dr., Tempe
Sundays, 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Employees Lackawana Ray and "Drummer" Dave Principale host the Big Fish Pub's open mic night, which runs later than most showcases. This open mic night is packed with acts including Irish, punk , metal, folk and mandolin players — everything except for country. "We've even had a rapper and spoken word," says Big Fish Pub employee Joe Dietrich. Drink deals are also a fan favorite at the the bar's open mic night. Though the Big Fish Pub is usually a 21-and-over venue, its doors are open to all ages for the open mic night. Though the open mic night was formerly every Wednesday, the event will soon move to Sundays, Dietrich says.
For more information: 480-449-3474
Mill's End Espresso
310 S. Mill Ave, Tempe
Fridays, 7 p.m.
If singing isn't your forte, head to Mill's End for their Friday Night Poetry Slam. Fans of this event come for the crepes, but stay for the poetry (and a first place cash prize). Along with the numerous poets competing, "The host is really into making it a big event," Crook says. "There's always something awesome happening at those slams."
For more information: 480-829-0755
