Open mics (frequently mis-spelled as “Open Mike”) are a great way for musicians, particularly singer/songwriters, to play to an audience without the hoop-jumping of getting a real gig (of course, that audience consists almost entirely of people exactly like you). Thanks to everyone who has written to provide updates. Before you go out to an open mic, call to confirm that it is happening. This list is subject to change.
Monthlies
2nd Sunday of every month: Sunday Slam!| Nob Hill Grille | 969 Hyde St., San Francisco | Open Mic Spoken Word Event. Sign up via email to reserve a performance spot: . | Each performer will get to read 1-2 pieces. ($7 cover - appetizers provided). Hosted by Olga Rosales.
3rd Friday of every month: West Coast Songwriters Song Competition | Coffee Catz, 6761 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, tel. (707) 829-6600 | Members' original work professionally judged. Prizes | 6:30pm sign-up, 7:00pm perform. Hosts: Ken Risling & Kate Sholl, (707) 799-4349, . Free to public, $4 to perform. Become a member at event.
4th Monday of every month: 1751 Social Club | 1751 Fulton St. @ Masonic, San Francisco | sign up at 7:30, show at 8:00 | transitions into a full gig; stay after to jam out with Ari's band.
1st Saturday of every month: Saturday Afternoon Gallery Acoustic (SAGA) Music Open Mic Series | Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, Alameda | Sign-ups at 1:30 pm, show from 2 - 4 pm. Participate in, or simply enjoy, acoustic performances of original musical compositions, in a sunlit room full of fresh air, the latest monthly art exhibit and delightfully congenial company. Co-hosted by Sarah Dunham and Boundless Gratitude.
Sundays
Black Magic Voodoo Lounge - every other Sunday - call to confirm | 1400 Lombard St., San Francisco | 415-931-8711 | 4-9pm
The Stork Club | 2330 Telegraph Ave., Oakland | 510-444-6174
Mondays
Hotel Utah | 500 4th St. at Bryant, South of Market, San Francisco | 415-546-6300 | Hosted by Bob Willard - HOMIBOB@aol.com | Put your name in the hat by 7:30; performance order is picked out of the hat between 7:30-8:00 pm. A popular and well-attended open mic, you will be allowed to play just one song. The roster usually stretches over 40 performers. If your number is higher than 20, you'll probably be playing late (after midnight).
The Riptide | site | 3639 Taraval @ 47th Avenue, San Francisco | 415-681-TIDE | Solo, duos, small groups… just bring your instrument and sing! Sign-up 8:30, music 9:00. And they have a piano...
Brainwash | site | 1122 Folsom St | Free Feature Salon | 8pm | Hosted by Guinevere Q
Bear's Lair at UC Berkeley | 2475 Bancroft Way @ Telegraph, Berkeley | 510-843-5247 | show 8:00
The Freight & Salvage | site | 1111 Addison Street, Berkeley | signup 7:30 | 510-548-1761 | $4.50 cover charge
Blake's | 2367 Telegraph, Oakland CA | 510-655-0300 | Hosted by Steve Gannon
Eli’s Mile High Club | 3629 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Oakland | 510-428-1935 | Hosted by Scott Duncan | Blues jam.
Sweetwater Saloon | site | 153 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley | 415-388-2820 | show 8pm | Hosted by Austin deLone
Peri's Silver Dollar Salon | 29 Broadway, Fairfax | 415-721-4086 | Show at 9pm | Hosted by Mike McShea
19 Broadway | 19 Broadway, Fairfax | 415-459-1091 | Show at 9:30pm | Hosted by Derek Smith
Georgio's Pizza, Pasta and Cocktails | 115 Plaza Drive, off Mathilda & Ross Drive, Sunnvale, 94089 | 408-744-9800 | Hosted by Ted Greenwood "Ted D. Bare" - | Sign-ups at 7pm, show at 7:30. Features a house band. Last performer goes on at 11:30.
Tuesdays
Jack’s Club | 2545 24th Street (at Utah), San Francisco | 415-641-5371 | Comedians sign up at 7:30pm, comedy show from 8pm - 9pm (depends on comedian turnout) | Musicians sign up at 8:30pm, music starts at 9pm (3 songs, and the list will recycle if you want to play more).
Project One | www.p1sf.com| 251 Rhode Island St., Design District/Potrero Hill, San Francisco | Hosted by Bryan with a "Y" - | Reserve a spot one week in advance by emailing . Time on stage depends on musician/artist turn out. | No cover. Stroll the art gallery and enjoy happy hour starting at 5pm.
Ireland's 32 |3920 Geary Blvd at 3rd Ave | San Francisco | 415-386-6173 | sign-ups at 8pm, show at 9pm
The Freight & Salvage | site | 1111 Addison Street, Berkeley | sign up at 7:30 | 510-548-1761 | $4.50 cover charge
Starry Plough (almost every week) | 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 510-841-2082 | show at 7:30
No Name Bar | 757 Bridgeway, Sausalito | 415-332-1392 | Sign up at 7:30, show at 8 | Hosted by Damir
McGrath's Irish Pub | 1539 Lincoln Avenue, Alameda | 925-522-6263 | show at 8. Sign up by phone during the week | Blues, folk, rock, jazz, R&B, etc. (no spoken word/poetry). Available house instruments: piano, acoustic guitars, congas, stand-up bass, violin. | This event has a rotating host; e-mail Kimberly ( ) if interested in hosting an evening
Jasper O'Farrell's | 6957 Sebastopol Avenue, Sebastopol | 707-829-2062 | MC Steve Horton claims that this is the oldest open mic in Sonoma County — 15 years running. Big stage, drums, bass & guitar to use (or players to accompany you, if you like); spoken word or magic acts are welcome and encouraged. | Signup: 8pm, Show: 8.30pm 'til 1am (sometimes later). Terms: 1 - 3 songs, depending on the crowd.
Wednesdays
Rockit Room | 406 Clement Street @ 5th Avenue, San Francisco | Sign up at 8:30, show at 9 | Host Matthew Stewart
(????) Melt Cafe | 700 Columbus Avenue at Filbert, North Beach, San Francisco | 8-10pm
Triangle Lounge | 3231 Fillmore St. (Lombard and Greenwich), San Francisco | 415-567-4004 | sign up at 8 | Host Erik Alan | Doors at 8, show at 8:30 pm, usually ends around midnight.
The Mayflower Inn | 1533 4th, San Rafael | 415-456-1011 | show 7:30 | Host Matthew Vrba
Pat's Bar | Wednesday Blues Jam | 1517 Franklin St. at 14th, Oakland | 510-452-3338 | 8 to 12 midnight
Missouri Lounge | 2600 San Pablo Avenue @ Parker, Berkeley | 510-548-2080 | Hosted by Paul Pot | sign up at 7:30 | Founded in 1953, the Missouri is one of the last standing Berkeley dive bars along the San Pablo Avenue corridor. It's got a full bar, pool table, big-ass TV, and fresh coat of paint.
B Street Billiards | site | 164 South B Street, San Mateo | 650-343-1875 | 8-10pm | There’s a PA to plug into if you want, and the scene is very chill — perfect for people needing to work their nerves out.
Thursdays
Southwest corner of 16th & Mission | near the BART entrance — right on the sidewalk | San Francisco | Usually gets going between 9:30-10pm and lasts until midnight. All manner of performers are welcome - musicians, MCs, poets, etc. There is no sign-up sheet, and no time limit. This is a completely democratic and unique outdoor venue. More info at 16thmission.com
Bazaar Cafe | site | 5927 California Street, San Francisco | 415-831-5620 | show at 7
In the Company of Wolves (coffee house) | site | 737 1st Street, Benicia | 707-746-0572 | Hosted by Tony
Dallimonti's Restaurant | 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill | 925-944-5224 | Host: Steve Star | Show at 8:30pm until midnight. Guitars & amps available.
Fridays
Cafe International | site | 508 Haight Street, San Francisco | 415-552-7390 | sign up 7:30-8:30pm; show at 8
Saturdays
The Red Victorian Peace Cafe | 1665 Haight Street @ Cole, San Francisco | 415-864-1978 | 5 to 9 pm | www.redvic.com | www.peacearts.com
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