Open mics

Posted on by Alli Marshall

[PLEASE NOTE: Information listed here was accurate as of March 16, 2005. Please call the venue to verify information.]

Ready to break into the local-music scene? Here’s the lowdown on what the area’s best-known open mics have to offer.

Sundays

• Sweet Heaven, 35-B Montford Ave. (259-9848) — Folky, family-friendly entertainment kicks off at 7 p.m. Don’t expect anything too risque, but the low-key atmosphere is child-approved.

Mondays

• The Hangar, Holiday Inn Airport, Fletcher (684-1213) — It’s called an acoustic open mic, but electric junkies are welcome to plug in. Steve Weams from the Caribbean Cowboys hosts with a house band. Sing or play along, or take over the stage. The event reportedly draws a range of musicians, from punk to country.

• Westville Pub, 777 Haywood Road (225-9782) — This Monday-night event is packed to the gills with a wide range of talents, from comedians to folkies. Mary Ellen Bush of Menage hosts; start time is 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays

• The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave. (232-5800) — Not necessarily for newbies, this potluck musical event is a great place to get a foot in the local scene and sometimes land opening gigs. Also a good bet for listening in on new talent. Singer/songwriter-oriented. Sign up at 8 p.m., starts around 8:30 p.m.

• Rosie’s Cantina, in the Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W. State St., Black Mountain (669-2119) — Located in the basement of the Monte Vista, this bar boasts a classic-rock crowd. Folkies beware: “If they don’t like you, they’ll tell you,” a club representative notes. Singer/songwriter David Cody hosts the event, which kicks off around 8 p.m.

• Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues, 28 Broadway (254-7072) — Every Tuesday is Jazz & Blues Talent night, hosted by pianist and Stephanie’s Id member Chuck Lichtenberger. 9:30 p.m. start time.

Wednesdays

• Blue Mountain Pizza, 55 Main St., Weaverville (658-8777) — Local singer/songwriter and recording artist Jimmy Landry hosts the musical potpourri at this pizza shop. Start time is 7 p.m.

• Gypsy Moon, 13 Walnut St. (232-4454) — Singer/songwriter is the operative word here. Local chanteuse Keturah Orr keeps the songs coming. Musicians may land a gig at the bar by playing this open mic. Things get started around 9 p.m.

• Ruby’s Tap House, 8 Beverly Road (299-3511) — Shean and friends MC this acoustic singer/songwriter open mic. Beginners and experienced players welcome. Starts at 9 p.m.

• Town Pump, 135 Cherry St., Black Mountain (669-4808) — Parker Brooks leads a country and Americana-oriented open mic. Music get going at 8:30 p.m.

Thursdays

• Beanstreets Coffeehouse/Cafe, 3 Broadway (255-8180) — Music, prose, poetry and comedy is welcome. Even solo bassists can have their 15 minutes (well, make that 5). 8 p.m. start time; come early to sign up.

• Park Deli, 437 N. Main St., Hendersonville (696-3663) — Hosted by Anon Dixon Day. Acoustic only. 8 p.m.

• Ruby’s Tap House, 8 Beverly Road (299-3511) — Local alt-country artist Dave Desmelik leads this acoustic singer/songwriter event. Starts at 9 p.m.

• The Watershed, 207 W. State St., Black Mountain (669-0777) — Guitarist Matthew Kinne (you may have seen him in the local production of Hedwig) leads this rock- and folk-oriented event. Don’t expect any fluffy renditions of “Kumbaya”; this is a bar-fly’s open mic.

Saturdays

• Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro, 628 E. Main St., Sylva (586-1717) — Open mics are held the first Saturday of each month from 9 p.m. to midnight. Come early to sign up. This event involves a community jam and all genres of entertainment are welcome, from stand-up comedians to full

bands.

— Alli Marshall

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall
View all posts by Alli Marshall →

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6 thoughts on “Open mics”

  2. Douglas McClure

    I’d like to participate in acoustic open mic events. It’s hard to find any close to brevard.

  6. Ashevillejoe

    As of 2008 (and still going in 2010) Firestorm Cafe & Books has an open mic the first and third Tuesday’s of the month. Signup starts at 7pm

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