Several nights a week, singers and song writers sling their acoustic guitars over their backs and head out to a bar where they can show everyone what they are working with. Usually, the performers face the crowd alone with their guitar and three songs. Occasionally, there will be a few people singing and playing together. More rare is the open mic with equipment set up for a full band or even a full band to back up the singers. The singers range from horrible to people that make you wonder why they aren't signed by a record label. We need these open mics, because they encourage these artists to start the next great local band. Please support an open mic near you.
Monday through Thursday, Tiffany Tavern hosts a music open mic. The address is 1116 King St.; Alexandria VA 22307. Call ( 703) 836-8844 for information.
There is a music open mic every Tuesday night at the Front Page bar in the Ballston area of Arlington, right across from the Ballston Mall. It is hosted by Brad Pugh (of Practically Einstein) and all kinds of music are welcome. Artists start performing at 9 pm and go until midnight. The address is 4201 Wilson Blvd.; Arlington VA 22203. Phone (703) 248-9990 for information.
Tavern on the Lake hosts it's open mic on Tuesdays, at 1617 Washington Plaza; Reston VA 20190. Call (703) 303-6434 for information.
John Lanou hosts the Tuesday, music and comedy open mic at Solly's U Street Tavern. The location is 1942 11th St. NW; Washington DC 20001. Call (202) 232-6590 for information.
Every Wednesday Todd, Rich, and James (of Brother Shamus) host the open mic at Iota Club and Cafe.
Sign up times are at 7:30 pm and 10 pm. The artists take the stage at 8 pm until 12:30 am. The address is 2832 Wilson Blvd.; Arlington VA 22201. Call (703) 522-8340 for information.
On the first Wednesday of the month, Country music singers get to show what they've got at Nick's Nightclub open mic, from 8 - 11 pm. Bring your instruments and songs to 642 South Pickett St; Alexandria, VA 22304. The microphones, PA, and and drums are provided. Walk-ins are welcome.
On Wednesday, February 3rd and 17th, Bob Hume, Martha Capone, Bryan Smith and Woody Hume will host an open mic at JV's. Amplifiers and drums are provided. All styles of music are welcome from 9 pm until 1am. The address is 6666 Arlington Blvd.; Falls Church VA 22042.
There is a jazz open mic at HR-57 on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 pm until midnight, and Sundays from 7 pm to 11 pm. There is an $8 admission charge. HR-57 is located at 1610 14th St.NW; Washington DC 20009. For information call (202) 667-3700.
Mick Holden hosts an open mic on Wednesdays, at the Austin Grill at 36a Maryland Ave.; Rockville MD 20850. Call (202) 247-8969 for information.
EJ's Landing has an open mic on Wednesday nights at 8601 Baltimore Ave.; College Park MD 20740. Call (301) 474-5951.
Every Thursday at 9 pm, Illusions Thai Cafe has an acoustic open mic. Plug in and play 15 minute sets at 1472 N. Beauregard St.; Alexandria VA 22311. Call (703) 575-1999 or email KC@illusionsthai.com for information
Every Thursday is open mic night at Bobby Lew's Saloon in Adams Morgan. All musicians and styles are welcome to sign up any time after 7:30 pm. Artists perform from 8 pm until 12 am. There is an amp, board, a guitar you can use and a djembe provided. Silky Dave is the host. The address is 2006 18th St. NW; Washington DC 20009.
Big Boy Little Band hosts a blues open mic on Thursday nights at Zoo Bar. Zoo Bar is located at 3000 Connecticut Ave. NW; Washington DC 20008. Call (202) 232-4225 for information.
A Neo-soul open mic featuring the Black Alley Band kicks off at Artmosphere Cafe on Thursday nights. Artmosphere is located at 3311 Rhode Island Ave.; Mt. Rainier MD 20712. Call (301) 927-2233 for information.
Jay Paslay hosts Modern Times Coffeehouse acoustic open mic on Fridays. The address is 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW; Washington DC 20008. Phone (202) 362-2408 for information.
The Emerging Artists Showcase open mic is at Ireland's Four Courts on Sundays. It is located at 2051 Wilson Blvd.; Arlington VA 22201. Dial (703) 525-3600 for information.
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