Open mic nights are fertile grounds for music, and not just for polished musicians looking to play a couple songs. For people just starting to perform — they’re confident and talented, but they’re also picturing everyone in the crowd as watermelons, or in their underwear, just to make it through the first song — open mics are crucial. Whether you’re looking to perform or to scope what local musicians are cooking up, get your music fix at one of these weekly events.
MONDAY
Pastime Club started its open mic nights in late March. With drink specials offered, it runs from 9 to 11 p.m. followed by a featured band. “It’s been really cool to watch a bunch of guys that always come in but never knew each other meet and jam,” said Sarah-May Chapman, the bar manager who started the open mics. Local musician Stan Charles runs the event, and he’s excited to provide a forum for musicians, from beginner to advanced, to show their stuff. “It’s not open mic ‘fight night’ I always say,” Charles said. “It’s all about getting on stage, having fun, and expressing yourself.” Info: pastimeclubtruckee.com
TUESDAY
Sean O’Brien, or DJ Chango, has been running the open mic at The Grid in Kings Beach for over two years. It goes from 10 p.m. until close, and has everything from hip hop to metal acts. “Open mics can be a great catalyst for people that aren’t used to performing,” Chango said. “As a musician who’s grown up in the Tahoe music culture, I like providing that to younger musicians.” The open mic at Tahoe City’s Fat Cat, scheduled 9 p.m. to midnight, has been around for six years and is now run by local musician Lucas Arizu, who remembers attending the event when he moved here. “The music scene talent has grown a lot since I first got here in 2008,” Arizu said. “I get at least one new person [at each open mic] … I’m always stoked to see new faces.” Info: thegridbarandgrill.com; fatcattahoe.com
WEDNESDAY
The Mellow Fellow of Truckee has hosted an open mic, from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., for almost the entire year the pub has been open. Musician Ryan Taylor has run the event for the past four months, and it’s garnered a following of regulars and new talent, including occasional comedians, magicians, and poets. “It’s not a sports bar, so people tend to come here and actually listen and dance,” Taylor said. “Meeting other local musicians and networking and seeing new bands come out of it is great.” Info: mellowfellowpub.com
FRIDAY
Finish the week at the open mic at Uncorked Truckee, scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. Dan Hickel approached Uncorked owner Kali Kopley with the idea, and she’s happy that he did. They see a steady weekly turnout, and a lot of local musicians have met there and now jam together every week. “Consistency has been key for us,” Kopley said. “Friday is fun; they’re done with their day job and they want to strum the guitar.” Info: teloswine.com/uncorked-truckee
