Checking, Checking….Is this thing on??? My Favorite OM’s Around Town (So Far)

Why do I like open mic (or is it “mike”?) nights? Well, 1) there is nothing else to go see some nights of the week; 2) It is a real privilege to see newer performers develop their craft, as well as to listen to people further along; 3) It is never the same twice, and I love the surprises that pop up now and then. 

 I will share 1) my observations and 2) some of my favorite OM’s around town. 

Then I will 1) hope for more recommendations to result in another list and 2) stop enumerating everything.

1.     Although my data pool is small, I want to share some observations that seem to make a difference in success. By that, I mean a large and mostly attentive audience and a good bunch of talented people coming in. 

a.     Friendly, welcoming hosts, regular audience members, and performers – whenever people go to any show, it isn’t just for the show but to feel like part of the crowd. When the host or regular attenders say “hello” and introduce themselves to the audience newcomers, it makes them want to come back. 

b.     A house band opens for 30 minutes or so– this will often draw new audience people in and keep them coming back. Whenever someone tells me I’ve got to go to this or that open mike, they always give the house band as the reason. It also keeps the identity and standards of the particular OM strong.

c.     Organized – some places have a sign-in sheet, some not even that, but my favorite technique is the advance signup available before the show, so that you can see whom you have to look forward to (idea courtesy of Greg Shaddix).

d.     Three songs or 20 minutes at the most per performer. Open mics are a sample platter. You want two or three potato skins but not a whole meal of them, because then there is no room for the jalapeno poppers.

2.     Here are some open mikes around town that I have especially enjoyed. Please note: THEY ARE NOT IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE, JUST WHAT POPPED INTO MY BRAIN:

a.     Madlife, Woodstock: Tuesday from 6-8:30, Greg Shaddix hosts. Some of the draws : a warm and welcoming patio atmosphere with many regular performers and audience members, a casual dinner and full drinks menu, and a range of young up-and-coming musicians, like Mason Embers and Anna Shinholster, and older, more experienced performers. Lots of local favorites here, and occasionally you even get Pam Hobby, who belongs on a much bigger stage, in my opinion.

 b.    Northside Tavern, Midtown, Mondays 10:00 (ish) to 2:00: There may or may not be open mic on open mic night – either way, the entertaining and talented keyboardist/singer Lola hosts a great evening of REAL blues, complete with audience participation and soul to spare.

 c.     Rusty Barrel, Marietta, Thursdays 8:30-11:00: Dana McCarthy, Charlie Korch, and Barry Richman host, and open and create subsequent iterations with a variety of performers. Big draws here are talented and established regular performers with keys, sax and other horns. Plus, Barry Richman!!!! I mean, come on, now!!!! 

d.    The Place, Marietta, Thursdays 8:30-11:30: Welcoming crowd and house band Two Many Peachtree Streets, featuring Casey Higgins on guitar and treats such as those from the incomparable Ramona Servin who channels Stevie Nicks, Harriet Wheeler, and Linda Perry.

e.     Copper Coin, Woodstock: Saturdays 4:30-7:00, hosted by Jay McKie, this open mike has a variety of ages and levels of performers. What is less than optimal is that the stage is set so far from most of the seating, but what I like about this one is the respect given to the performers. The audience is quiet and attentive and appreciative. For more established performers, this would be a great place to try out new material.

f.      Abbott’s Grill, Johns Creek, Wednesdays,7:00-11:00, hosted by talented guitarist Derek Ferwerda (who accompanies many of the acts), this one is a jewel in the middle of music-no-man-land Johns Creek. Derrick brings in many of his students, and it’s fun to watch these younger people as well as occasional regular-Joe-types with soulful voices. I like Derek, because he is truly a teacher in every sense, and with my background, I have seen hundreds of teachers teach. He stands back and let's them be them, offering the support they need to shine, rather than focusing attention on himself.

g.     Blind Willies, Midtown, Some Sundays 3:00-6:00– this one is sponsored by the Atlanta Blues Society (shameless plug, as I am a member of this esteemed organization). You know this one will be good, because you are at Blind Willies, for goodness sakes! Great blues and a crowd who listens and appreciates. Please note that the ABS hosts various events around town, including at the Magnolia Lounge. Check their page for listings: https://atlantabluessociety.org

So turn off the TV and tune in to open mic - somewhere, anywhere. Put that frozen dinner back in the freezer, and eat messy chicken wings instead. I promise you will have a great time!