ADVENTURES OF AN OPEN-MIKER: A guide to the best open mics in Philly

As this column winds to a close, I wanted to give a quick overview of the Philly's open mic scene so those new to the area-or new to open-miking-have a good sense of where to start.

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ADVENTURES OF AN OPEN-MIKER: A guide to the best open mics in Philly

POSTED: Thursday, May 19, 2011, 12:00 PM

Filed Under: Adventures of an Open-Miker

Picasso Bar

As this column winds to a close, I wanted to give a quick overview of the Philly’s open mic scene so those new to the area—or new to open-miking—have a good sense of where to start. Over the past semester, I’ve been very impressed with the range of places to choose from—from coffee shops to bars, from truly acoustic to full-band setups—as well as the sheer number of available venues. Those looking to get used to the stage can find an event almost every night of the week.

Below, a few highlights of the Philly open-mic experience:

BEST OPEN MICS FOR BEGINNERS:

Milkboy Coffee (824 W. Lancaster Ave.) It’s a cozy little place with an appreciative crowd, a laid-back ambience, and good coffee. There’s no sound system, so it all feels very organic. And though Picasso Restaurant & Bar (36 W. State St., Media) has plenty of talented regulars, don’t be intimidated: it’s still one of the most chilled-out open mics I attended, and you’ll get a long performance slot.

BEST OPEN MICS FOR EXPERIENCED PERFORMERS:

Fergie’s Pub (1214 Sansom St.) It’s an intimate gathering of musicians, exploring new material and sharing their work—but people aren’t competitive. It’s upstairs at the bar, and densely packed, with a very warm vibe. Also check out the Legendary Dobbs (304 South Street) where the performers are consistently excellent and you get extra exposure: with just three walls, the bar is open to South Street.

BEST OPEN MIC FOR FULL BANDS:

Tritone (1508 South St.). A rock bar with a great house band, Tritone welcomes a huge variety of performers. Drum kit ready and waiting, it’s particularly good for full bands, and the night is rich with improvisation.

BEST COFFEE SHOP OPEN MIC:

Gryphon Café (105 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne) It’s a very popular night for both listeners and performers; the latter group ranges from beginners to professionals. In a long, brightly-colored room full of artwork, the night is upbeat and well-organized.

BEST BAR OPEN MIC:

Grape Room (105 Grape St., Manayunk) Excellent host Steph Hayes, a good beer selection, and a very friendly staff make this a great open mic. The sound system is clear and powerful and the crowd is involved and enthusiastic. The room is great, too: wide open, with plenty of space for listeners.

BEST SUBURBAN OPEN MIC:

Burlap and Bean (204 S. Newtown Street Rd., Newtown Square) Host Kyle Swartzwelder keeps this event running smoothly, and people really listen. It’s got one of the best sound systems I experienced at an open mic—and some of the best hot chocolate.

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Featuring everything from event roundups to concert reviews and sex talk, City Paper's Critical Mass is a space for off-the-wall coverage of Philly's A&E scene.

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