Glasgow Open Stage / Open Mic
Recently, I've become a bit of a fan of Glasgow's wide ranging Open Stage and Open Mic events, which can be found almost any night of the week in every corner of the city.
My new found interest is related to Jim's change of musical direction. After many years playing with various rock bands has decided to take his songwriting and singing more seriously and focus more on playing acoustic music. The Open Mics, and Open Stage events at Festivals have provided the perfect platform for trying out his new songs.
The events are free and with a bit of luck you are certain to encounter some talented performers. The Open Mic sessions tend to be organised by some very committed artists, who themselves contribute to the entertainment. Names that spring to mind include Mike Clarke, Crawford Smith and Iain Forbes and fair play to the venues that are creating opportunities for new acts to showcase their material.
The approach is very straightforward, you just turn up at the venue, let the organiser/promoter know that you would like to perform and you will be added to the list of acts for that evening. It's simple!
Open Mic Nights Glasgow West End
The Liquid Ship
171 Great Western Road, Glasgow G4 9AW (Nr St Geroge;'s Cross
The Open Mic sessions, Acousdeck, are run by Graeme Bickett and these take place Wednesday from 8 p.m.
Rio's Cafe
27 Hyndland Street, Partick, Glasgow West End
Mike Clarke is the enthusiastic organiser of this event, which takes place every Tuesday. Be prepared for anything: folk, pop, rock, classical guitar, and even political rap. Mike and his band Acoustic Butterfly usually perform a tune or two and the bass player and percussionists are also pretty adept at accompanying the performers. A great night in a very relaxed atmosphere. Free. Tuesdays from 8 p.m.
The Halt Bar
Woodlands Road, Glasgow West End
Wednesday Open Mic Night
The Hidden Lane, Argyll Street.
Something for the poets
Groovy Tuesday Come-All-Ye
Tuesdays from 7.30 at the Hidden Lane Café Gallery
Poets Aidan Mceoin and Jim Ferguson present an eclectic evening of poetry and music - a collaborative fusion of words with rhythm and imagination. The friendliest and most entertaining bunch of poets I have ever encountered.
Info 0141 564 1353.
I hear that plans are afoot to have an Open Mic Night at The Hidden Lane on Thursdays and hope to report back with news of this very soon.
OranMor
Top of Byres Road, Glasgow West End
Not been along to this yet but heard good reports. Tuesday is the Open Mike Night at OranMor and Ross Clark makes everyone welcome. Only draw back is that it's postponed when there is a 'big show'.
Tuesdays from 8 p.m.
Other Open Mics in Glasgow
Other Open Mics that where you can be sure of a good night out include 'The Butterfly and Pig', Bath Street. Some class acts and you're also guaranteed an additional treat as you'll get to hear Iain Forbes, who organises the Open Mic Sessions, playing some classy guitar music.
CLUTHA BAR
Stockwell St
Katie's open mic nite
Mondays - 9pm
Southside Sessions
Linen 1906, 1110 Pollokshaws Road, Shawlands.
Crawford Smith is doing a fine job promoting music in Glasgow's Southside with these lively sessions.
Sundays from 8.30 p.m.
Lebowskis Open Stage
1008 Argyle Street, Glasgow
The "world famous Lebowskis open stage" on Sundays from 9pm. Anybody can get up and have a go - they provide guitars as well as a drummer and bassist.
Sundays from 9 p.m.
Lots more to come on this topic. If you have an Open Mic Night you want to promote or have reviewed any of the open stage acts then please email
You can also add any comments or information by completing the comments box below.
Open Mics - out of town
OPEN MIC SESSION: Brig o' Tay, Newport- on Tay, Fife.
Completely unpretentious and friendly atmosphere with every description of sounds from talented locals and stars of the sorrounding areas, brought together every 2 weeks on a Thursday night from 8.30pm.
Dom Venditozzi aka Mondo Mimmo sings out as host and adds another string to his musical bow up in the North East where the scene is bursting with original players and old hands alike.
Come along and play or just enjoy a cosy night listening in the bar overlooking the ubiquitous silvery Tay.
For dates check:http://www.myspace.com/mondomimmo
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fatfrank | Wed Oct 08 2008