You've got a song, a poem, a joke, or something - we wanna HEAR it!
A skit, an act, part of a movie or play that you like - we wanna SEE it!
No matter what you've got, there's a place on this list to PERFORM it!
I promise we will applaud no matter what. May lead to bigger things: paying gigs,
collaborations with other artists - who KNOWS?!?
Maybe you're not a performer, but just want to witness some of the most creative,
intelligent and beautiful people on the planet.
Well, without an audience, it's just rehearsal. It isn't a show without YOU!
Come be a part of it!
Open mics and jams come and go regularly, so it's a good idea to call and confirm
details before attending one for the first time. Please let me know of any additions/deletions/corrections.
Now - COME SHOW US YOUR STUFF!
(Open Mic tips at the end)
ALL AGES Open Mics in Portland
21+ OPEN MICS ARE BELOW THESE as well as Outside
Portland and Non-weekly listings
MONDAYTwin Paradox coffee house 8609 SE 17th Ave Sellwood (503) 232-8202 sign up 6:45
pm Show 7 pm Intimate neighborhood gathering. Piano available. No cover tunes. For
info contact Jim - jpburke@email.com
http://www.thebeenews.com/features/story.php?story_id=118099269564972100Three Friends Coffee House 201 SE 12th Ave (503) 236-6411 sign up 8 pm All artists
http://www.wifipdx.com/spots/Three_Friends_Coffee_HouseWEDNESDAYAirplay Cafe 701 E. Burnside St (503) 808-7908 "Open Tike": Kids 12 and
under can get on stage and use a real microphone 10 – 11am
NOT every Wednesday so check the calendar on their website:
http://www.airplaycafe.com/FRIDAYPo Shines 8139 N Denver Ave (503) 286-2590 sign up 7:30 pm show 8 pm Spoken word
and slam poetry - They keep it real here, but the venue is run by a religious group
so please don't be too profane. Food and coffee drinks.
http://www.myspace.com/poshinesElevated Coffee 5261 NE MLK Jr. Blvd 6 pm acoustic
No phone or web page
Ross Island Grocery 3338 SW Corbett (503) 227-4531 All artists 6 pm Small, neighborhood
grocery
http://www.rossislandgrocery.com/SATURDAYElevated Coffee 5261 NE MLK Jr. Blvd 6 pm acoustic
No phone or web page
SUNDAY Wall Street Pizza 10114 SE Division Street (503) 761-6500 8 pm
All artists
http://www.myspace.com/wallstreetpizza205
http://www.wallstreetpizza205.com/index.html Mississippi Pizza 3552 Mississippi Ave (503) 288-3231 Cuban jam
6 pm - 8 pm
First 4 Sundays of the month.
http://www.myspace.com/aguamielsalsahttp://www.mississippipizza.com/Javarama 3907 NE MLK Blvd (503) 473-8650 4 pm - 6 pm
Kids welcome!
http://www.barberama.com/
21 & Over Open Mics in Portland & Vancouver
MONDAYLeisure Public House 8002 N Lombard (503) 289.7606 in St Johns
sign up 7-8pm show 8 pm Acoustic
http://www.leisurepublichouse.com/The Twilight Cafe & Bar 1420 SE POWELL BLVD (503) 232-3576
7:30 pm Singers & songwriters - Hosted by Eric Allen
http://www.myspace.com/twilightbarandcafeThe Pub at the End of the Universe 4107 SE 28th Ave (503) 238-9355
8:00 sign up/9:00 play - Deadhead bar - jam bands especially welcome. Original tunes
only. Vegan
http://www.myspace.com/pubattheendoftheuniverseThe Boiler Room COMEDY ONLY 228 NW Davis St
(503) 227-5441 9:30 pm followed by karaoke
http://www.myspace.com/boilerroompdxGoodfoot Lounge 2845 SE Stark (503) 239-9292 8 pm bands can sign
up ahead of time at
http://www.myspace.com/jitanzerAsh Street Saloon 225 SW Ash St (503) 226-0430 9 pm
Not really an open mic with a host, sign up sheet and an audience. More like an
opportunity to shake down your new set if there aren't already bands scheduled.
From their website: "Call 503-226-0430 day of to sign up! The best damn rehearsal
you'll ever have."
http://ashstreetsaloon.com/Rock Bottom Brewery 206 SW Morrison St (503) 796-BREW 9 pm Open
Mic with Scott Gallegos
http://www.myspace.com/scottgallegosmusicRock BottomDublin Pub 6821 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy (503) 297-2889
8 pm Talk to Chris 503-449-4961
http://www.dublinpubpdx.com/Leisure Public House 8002 N. Lombard St. (503) 289-7606 sign up
7 pm show 8 pm Acoustic open mic/jam
http://www.leisurepublichouse.com/West Slope Bar & Grill 8775 SW Canyon Ln Beaverton 7 pm
(503) 445-0272 Rock Jam Hosted by The Rotations
http://www.myspace.com/rotationshttp://www.thewestslopebar.com/Jade Lounge 2342 SE Ankeny St (503) 236-4998 7 pm suitable for
Singer Songwriter, Duo or Trio's. Email Eugene for a 45-minute slot
http://www.jadeloungepdx.com/TUESDAYIrishtown Pub 11600 SE Mill Plain (360) 253-1479
sign up 6:30 pm show 7 pm -10 pm Acoustic open mic 21+
http://users1.jabry.com/tomsopenmic/Calabash 835 SW 2nd Ave (503) 241-5676 8 pm
Harlem Nights - A night of poetry hosted by Don Juan, DJ Mello
Cee
http://www.myspace.com/clubcalabash503Hawthorne Theatre Balcony Bar 3862 Hawthorne Blvd (503) 233-7100
7:30 pm sign up 8 pm show Host: Matt Graham
http://www.myspace.com/mattdgrahamZilla Sake House 1806 NE Alberta St (503) 336-4104 Show 8:30 pm
Music Calendar Here
Airplay Cafe 701 E. Burnside St (503) 808-7908 sign up 7:30 pm
Show 8 pm
Pro stage and sound. All Ages until 9 pm
http://www.airplaycafe.com/Korner Pocket Bar 7300 NE Sandy Blvd (503) 282-2228 8 pm All artists
Greek Village Tavern 301 NW Murray Blvd (503) 643-2119 9 pm All
artists
Duke's Country Bar & Grill SE 146th & Division st (503)
760-1400 7:30 pm-10:30 pm Unplugged country music jam
Dukesbar.com
Suki's COMEDY ONLY open mic at 2401 SW 4th ave (Below Travelodge)
(503) 226-1181 9 pm The soft, white underbelly of comedy. Karaoke follows.
http://www.sukisbargrill.com/Pepper's Taqueria and Pub 800 Main Street Vancouver, WA (Downtown)
(360) 737-0322 7 pm to 10 pm Singer songwriter showcase. Host: Two Rivers Music
http://www.tworiversmusic.com/Friend's Cafe and Pub 3203 SW 153rd Dr # 419 (503) 626-8282 8:30
pm All artists
The Hutch 4606 NE Glisan (503) 235-4729
Sign up 7:30pm - Music 8pm to 11pm
http://myspace.com/wardaforceMaher's Restaurant & Pub 430 5th Street Lake Oswego (503) 305-8087 8 pm
http://maherspub.com/WEDNESDAYHolman's Bar & Grill 15 SE 28th Ave. (503)231-1093 7:30 pm
sign up All artists
Monty's Tavern 13095 SW Canyon rd, Beaverton (503) 644-BEER 9 pm
Open Jam - Working class bar. Nice bunch.
http://www.montystavern.com/45th Street Pub 4511 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton (503)
246-7061 9 pm
Buffalo Gap 6835 SW Macadam (503) 244-7111 Sign up 8:30 pm Show
9 pm Host: Chuck Warda
http://www.myspace.com/BUFFALOGAPThe Blue Diamond 2016 NE Sandy Blvd (503) 230-9590 9 pm Open Blues
jam with The Fenix Project. Host: Ken Mortellaro
http://www.myspace.com/kenmguitarwww.kenmguitar.com
The Blue Monk 3341 SE Belmont (503) 595-0575 7 pm sign up Downstairs
POETRY ONLY.
http://www.thebluemonk.com/Cactus Jack's Tex-mex Cafe 4342 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy (503)
977-2161
9 pm All Artists Band does their set, then invites artists up
Roots Organic Brewing Company 1520 SE 7TH 503-235-7668 Comedy open mic 1st &
3rd Wednesdays 9 pm
http://rootsorganicbrewing.com/Alberta street pub 1036 NE Alberta
sign up (503) 284-7665 7:30 pm signup 8 pm
http://www.myspace.com/albertastreetpubWest Slope Bar & Grill 8775 SW Canyon Ln Beaverton (503) 445-0272
7 pm Blues Jam Hosted by The Other Band
http://www.thewestslopebar.com/Club Zoo 931- NE 76th st 9 pm-12:30 am Open jam
Cascade Bar & Grill 15000 SE Mill Plain Blvd (360) 254-0749
8:30 pm Rock Jam
Host: Jam Band PDX
http://www.thecascadebarandgrill.com/Airplay Cafe 701 E. Burnside St (503) 808-7908 Sign-up 6:30 pm Show 7 pm After is
Eric McEuen's "Borrow the Band"
http://www.airplaycafe.com/THURSDAYVintner's Cellar Clackamas 15711 SE Happy Valley Town Center Drive
(503) 558-WINE sign up 6 pm show 7 pm
Host: Ken Johnson
http://www.vintnerscellarclackamasor.com/Ladd's Inn S.E. 12th/Clay (503) 235-7831 @ 9:30 pm Pretty fun when
it's happening. Some nice diversity.Worth checking out.
Mockcrest Tavern 3435 N. Lombard St (503) 5283-5014 8:30 pm Acoustic
http://www.mockcrest.com/Monty's Tavern 13095 SW Canyon rd Beaverton (503) 644-BEER 9 pm
Open Jam - Working class bar. Nice bunch.
http://www.montystavern.com/Muddy Waters coffee house 2908 SE Belmont (503) 233-1923 6:00 pm
sign up 6:30 pm show All artists - Hosted by the always energetic & upbeat Dingo
Dizmal, who founded the Alberta Clown house. Nice diversity of performers &
circus people doing fun stunts.
http://shmanarchy.blogspot.com/http://www.muddywatersportland.com/The River Roadhouse 11921 SE 22nd Ave (503) 653-5885 8 pm Open
jam
Mojo's 1819 Main st (360) 694-0518 Vancouver, WA
9 pm
West Slope Bar & Grill 8775 SW Canyon Ln Beaverton 7:30 pm
(503) 445-0272 Jam Hosted by Dub DeBrie
http://www.thewestslopebar.com/http://www.debrie.com/Harvey's Comedy Club 436 NW 6th Ave
(503) 241-0338 Comedy open mic 9:30 pm
http://www.harveyscomedyclub.com/SUNDAYThe White Eagle 836 N Russell St (503) 282-6810 sign up Before
7:30 Midscale venue where some of the Names in Portland play.
http://www.myspace.com/wwwmyspacewhiteeaglesaloonBiddy McGraw's 6000 NE Glisan St. (503) 233-1178 7 pm Irish Open
Jam
http://www.biddymcgraws.com/Riley's Pub 5836 SE 92nd Ave (503) 777-5430 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM Country
Jam Session and Small Dance Floor. Dancers Welcome!! One of the few places left
for Country Musicians to get together and Jam!
M & M Lounge 137 N. Main st, Gresham (503) 665-2626 7 pm All
musical styles. Do your own thing or jam with the band.
http://www.myspace.com/beaverboogiebandElk Rock bar 14211 SE McLoughlin Milwaukie (503) 786-0410 6 pm
Blues Jam
http://elkrockbarandgrill.com/Harvey's Comedy Club 436 NW 6th Ave (503) 241-0338 Comedy Open
Mic 8:30 pm
http://www.harveyscomedyclub.com/Steinhaus 82nd & Division 9 pm Jam
Bolt Upright
The Spare Room 4830 NE 42nd Ave (503) 287-5800 8 pm sign up 9 pm
show Acoustic - loaner guitar available
The Spare Room
Jade Lounge 2342 SE Ankeny St (503) 236-4998 7 pm suitable for
Singer Songwriter, Duo or Trio's. Email Eugene for a 45-minute slot
http://www.jadeloungepdx.com/Outside of Portland Open Mics:
Longview, WashingtonFridayIntermission coffeehouse 3187 Ocean Beach Highway (360) 353-3073
Sign up anytime Friday Show 7:30 pm All artists
Ridgefield, WashingtonSundayJollie's Restaurant & Lounge 17701 NE Union Rd, Ridgefield, WA (360) 573-3141
8pm-12am Open Jam
Last Wednesday of each month
Shanahan's Pub 209 W. McLoughlin, Vancouver, WA (360) 735-1440
http://www.myspace.com/katienaylorAshland, OregonWednesdayAlex's Restaurant 35 N. Main st (541) 482-8818 9 pm
http://www.myspace.com/alexsplazarestauranthttp://www.alexsplazarestaurant.com/Banks, OregonFri & Sat nitesBanks Trail Cafe 146 N. Main St. 97106 503-324-2090 6 pm signup 6:30 show All Ages/All
Artists FREE food/drink for performers
http://www.myspace.com/belize2002Dallas, OregonFridayGuthrie Park Community Hall 4320
Kings Valley Hwy (3 miles south of Dallas, OR on HWY 223 at Cooper
Hollow Road) 7 pm - 11 pm Acoustic only - Family event with variety
of music - Bring snack for the snack table. No alcohol.
http://www.guthriepark.org/directions.htmEugene, OregonTuesdayDiablo's Downtown Lounge 959 Pearl 343-2346 All artists 8 pm 21+
http://www.myspace.com/diablosopenmichttp://diablosdowntownlounge.comHillsboro, OregonTUESDAYCrowley's of Cork 5245 NE Elam Young Parkway (503) 648-6885 6 pm
- 8 pm
All Ages - Open Session for Fiddles, Mandolins, Whistles, Boxes, Harps, Flutes,
Guitars and any other instruments appropriate to Irish Traditional Music. Beginners
also welcome
http://www.crowleysofcork.com/welcome.htmlFRIDAYInfluence Gallery231 E Main Street Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 (503) 693-1741 7-9:30 pm or
later (I went November 2007. Upscale gallery with talented guitarists
and attentive audience.)
Newberg, OregonSundayFirst Street Pub 611 E. First Street (503) 538-4368 Newberg, OR
97132 Musician's open mic
Sign up 7 pm Air guitar contest at 11 pm - Ca$h prize every week!!
See videos here:
http://www.youtube.com/1ststreetpubopenmichttp://www.myspace.com/1ststreetpubopenmicSalem, OregonMondayThe Space 1132 NE Broadway 9 pm Comedy Open Mic Some Mondays -
check their calendar at:
http://www.myspace.com/thespaceistheplaceThe Dalles, OregonSUNDAYEagles Lodge 2006 W. Seventh St 6:30 pm sign up 7 pm show. Info
- Call 541 980 0215 for Les Vaughn guitarman1943@hotmail.com
Non-weekly Open Mics (Check dates carefully - call first):
Virgo & Pisces 500 NW 21st Ave (503) 517-8855 7 pm
1st & 3rd Sundays - Acoustic blues open mic - no electric
Hosted by: Steve Cheseborough
http://www.myspace.com/stevecheseboroughhttp://www.virgoandpisces.com/Sonnyside Coffeehouse (Basement of Sunnyside Church)3520 SE Yamhill
st (503) 888 4453 6 pm 5TH FRIDAYS ONLY Free meal and open mic
http://www.myspace.com/kevinwayneGood Neighbor Pizzeria 800 NE Dekum St (503) 285-7400 8 pm All
Artists
Every other Wednesday
Rhythmic jams, with electronic elements, DJ's invited to participate.
Led by Chris Gabriel
chris.gabriel@yahoo.com
Sydney's 1800 NW 16th Ave. (503) 241-4313 Do It Yourself Stories
For details go to:
http://www.vanadia.com/diystories/Backspace 115 NW 5th Ave (503)248-2900 2nd Sunday of each month
Poetry/Prose Open Mic
http://www.backspace.bz/Sixdays Art Co-op 2724 NE Alberta St (503) 280-6329 Last Thursdays
Story-tellers, Poets, Singers & Songwriters. 20 minutes spots from 7 pm til
about 10 pm
http://www.myspace.com/sixdaysart
Coffee Lovers Cafe 4144 SE 60th Ave (503) 775-3476 6:30 pm 2nd Wednesdays
Ukulele open mic hosted by
http://www.myspace.com/ukulelejoneshttp://www.coffeeloverscoffeeshop.com/
Camellia Lounge 510 NW 11th Ave (503) 221-2130 9 pm 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Open jazz jam session hosted by Noah Bernstein
http://www.myspace.com/teazoneThere are other occasional open mics that are not widely-advertised.
I'll gladly post them if the host provides the details.
_________________________________________________________________
Open mics can be a memorable time of performance, inspiration and fun.
They can occasionally be a bummer if the host doesn't run things fairly and professionally
or artists are inconsiderate - it's a good preview of the ups and downs in the performing
arts world.
Hosts: The performers are your customers. The people staring doe-eyed at glowing
laptop screens will be there with or without you; it's the performers whom you are
there to serve.
This means making them feel welcome, helping to make their performance sound as
good as possible, and firmly dealing with selfish egoists.
The greatest responsibility of an open mic host is fair handling of The List.
The Signup procedure should be clearly communicated both online and prior to each
signup so that there is no heartache amongst people who have a lot invested in trying
to perform that night.
The List should be in possession and control of The Host at all times to ensure
that there is no monkey business i.e. one person signing up multiple friends, names
being crossed out, etc. I have seen people walk out and others get close to violence
due to shoddy List practices. Regardless of how seemingly-well you handle everything
else:
YOU ARE A FAILURE AS A HOST IF YOU DO NOT MONITOR THE LIST AND ENSURE THAT SIGN
UPS ARE HANDLED FAIRLY.
I speak on behalf of the Many who have suffered due to some hosts' lack of excellence.
If pre-signups are available the procedure should be clearly posted online, on all
advertisements, and explained before each show. If this is not done, there is a
good chance of creating bad will in the artist community.
It seems fairest to have sign-ups a half hour prior to show. Any earlier than that
is a burden on the artists.
Other jam lists:
http://www.portlandfolkmusic.org/jams.htmlhttp://www.myspace.com/commandererniepaulTips for jamming with others by Keith Moore
Rockin an Open Mic by Barbara Cloyd 1. Learn & follow the procedures 2. Have
your instrument ready to go 3. Practice, practice, practice 4. Look your best 5.
Be confident but humble Article here