Though this may not be a great escape for everyone, getting out of the house on a weeknight with a guitar and some friends can be just what someone needs to unwind from the daily grind. Open mics are always an adventure, with different faces, acts and songs every night. Chestnut Hill and the surrounding area is a veritable hub of bars and other venues looking to open their doors to the singers, poets and comedians in need of a stage. Here are just a few of the many places nearby that hold open mics:
1. The Mermaid Inn
Address: 7673 Germantown Avenue
Open Mic: Tuesday Nights
The Mermaid Inn has live music almost every night that it’s open, and the Bothy Open Mic is advertised to one and all looking to have some musical fun. There aren’t many places that open up the stage on a Tuesday night, so get a head start on the weekend over at The Mermaid Inn. There is also a Bluegrass Jam on the first Wednesday of the month, if you aren’t ready for your solo just yet.
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2. InFusion
Address: 7133 Germantown Avenue
Open Mic: Every second and last Friday of the month, 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
InFusion is well known for the FUZE, its open mic and poetry SLAM open to all who are looking for a venue to belt out some tunes, stories and emotions. This one has a $5 cover ($3 for students), but the friendly competition and cool riffs will make it worth the cost.
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3. Grape Room
Address: 105 Grape Street
Open Mic: Monday Nights
This is one of the bigger open mic scenes in the area, as Grape Street is known for its status as both a bar and a music venue. Grape Street has music almost every night, and the place gets some bigger name acts when it’s not opening up the floor to the up and coming looking for a solid open mic. And don’t be frightened by the regulars; just blow them away with your tunes.
4. Dawson Street Pub
Address: 100 Dawson Street
Open Mic: Wednesday Nights
The Dawson Street Pub is a great open mic spot tucked away right behind Main Street on Dawson. This pub has a great, welcoming vibe and accepts any and all live acts for its open mic, from the serious to the hilarious. There is definitely a somewhat regular crowd here, but don’t be worried. Everyone is really excited to hear you play.
5. Mad River
Address: 4100 Main Street
Open Mic: Wednesday Nights, 9 p.m.
Rest assured that Mad River’s open mic is not your typical musical fare. This open mic is for the funny ones, with a comedy night that starts at 9 p.m. Stand aside, Helium, this comedy club is gunning for your title…or at least your laughs.
