For Your Consideration: Local Open Mic Nights

By Naheil Qudah
Staff Reporter


Hey, music-loving frogs. Do the city a favor and share your tunes by attending one of the following open mic sessions around town.


SUNDAY:
Where: The Blue Grotto, 517 University Dr. 76107. From campus, take University Dr. north. Find the bar on your right after passing through 7th St. Estimated time: 7 minutes.
Hosted by: Scott "Scotty" Vernon.
When: Beginning at 9:00 p.m. and running until 2:00 a.m.
What you'll find: Acoustic originals and covers of alternative rock songs. If it's a particularly busy night, there will be a sign-up sheet at the front of the bar; otherwise, find Scotty and let him know you want to play. He and regular Timothy Drennon are always ready to lay some excellent groove on your songs if one of them has a bass guitar handy. 21+

MONDAY:
Where: The Cellar, 2916 W Berry St. Find the bar across from Fuzzy's Tacos.
Hosted by: Ben Napier.
When: Beginning at 10:30 p.m. and running until 2:00 a.m.
What you'll find: A host and an audience that is ready to hear anything from cover songs to original compositions to freestyle poetry. Last Monday, a drum set was onstage and available for open collaborations. This just started out just a few weeks ago, so they're ready for you to come out and take the mic. 21+

TUESDAY:
Where: The Blue Grotto, 517 University Dr. 76107. From campus, take University Dr. north. Find the bar on your right after passing through 7th St. Estimated time: 7 minutes.
Hosted by: Davis Chapman.
When: Beginning at 9:00 p.m. and running until 2:00 a.m.
What you'll find: A group that differs greatly from the Sunday crowd. Think more country, less alternative. 21+

WEDNESDAY:
Where: The Fairmount, 600 W. Magnolia Ave. 76104. From campus, take University Dr. north to merge onto W. Rosedale. Take a right at Hemphill St. and a left onto Magnolia Dr. Estimated time: 7 minutes.
Hosted by: Davis Chapman.
When: Beginning at 9:00 p.m. and running until 2:00 a.m.
What you'll find: A tight ship with a sign-up sheet and no more than three songs per musician. There is a lot of country music, but the audience is always willing to hear other genres. The best part about this event is that you have the chance to hear upwards of 20 musicians in one night, and the bar staff is among the friendliest in the area. Get there early so that you can secure a spot and hear some great music. 21+

THURSDAY:
Where: The Ridglea Theater, 6025 Camp Bowie Blvd. 76116. From campus, take University Dr. north. Turn left at I-30 West and exit Bryant Irvin Rd. Turn left at the light and find the Ridglea Theater on your right once you get to the light for Camp Bowie Blvd. Estimated time: 9 minutes.
Hosted by: Chris Nolan.
When: Beginning at 8:00 p.m. and running until 12:00 a.m.
What you'll find: This place is set up for independent musicians, acapella singers and full bands. Ask Chris if there are any available spots once you get there, or send a time slot request to the event's MySpace page. It's also a great option for the underage musicians on campus, since the Ridglea is open for all ages. The downer: since an underage crowd doesn't make much money in beverage sales, there's a $3 cover charge. The payoff: it's free to get in if you're playing that night. They've taken a hiatus over the last few months and are coming back with a remodeled lounge this Thursday, Feb. 26.


Every single one of these venues is full of encouraging and friendly audience members because they're out at these open mics specifically to hear new music and have a good time. Getting out and jamming around Funkytown may seem like work, but it's the good kind of working: it's networking. It's a great way to meet other musicians if you're looking to start up a band or have a few good jam sessions.

I want to see more TCU at these events. Represent.