Whether you have an as-yet-unrealized burning desire to become the next Neil Young, or you just love to play for an audience, there’s an open mic every night of the week that can put you on the stage.
Kick off the week on Sundays at the Upper Deck Lounge (229 Gorge Rd. East) for a blues jam guaranteed to be a good time. The Deb Rhymer Band leads the jams from 3 to 7:30pm, though times may vary slightly.
Every Monday, head out to Logan’s Pub in Fernwood (1821 Cook St.) for their self-proclaimed “Friendliest and at times weirdest” open mic night, where everyone is welcome on stage, no matter their style.
The Good Earth Coffeehouse in Oak Bay (1971 Oak Bay Ave.) holds their open mic Tuesdays from 6 to 9pm, and plays host to a wide variety of musicians. Running for over two months now, everything from country to blues to folk has graced their stage, as well as a couple of very talented guitar instrumentalists, says café owner Erjon Bleta.
“We started the open mic to give new talent the chance to show who they are, and we already have quite a few,” he adds. Time on stage varies, depending on how many folks show up, but musicians generally get to perform three to five songs.
The Ocean Island Café Lounge (791 Pandora Ave.) is the place to beat the mid-week blues. Wednesday’s open mic runs from 8 to 11pm.
Thursdays the action is all down at the Fernwood Inn (1302 Gladstone Ave.), starting at 8pm.
“It’s been our longest lasting weekly event,” says general manager Mike Colwill, who adds that their open mic has been entertaining Fernwoodians for eight years with a huge variety of local performers, including big names like Jesse Roper and several others.
For a real treat, check out the Deep Cove Folk Society’s Club Nights, held on the second Friday of every month at St. John’s United Church (10990 West Saanich Rd.). The Society opens up their stage to local musicians every Club Night before a professional artist takes the stage. This month’s event is Sept 11, featuring Kat Eggleston, an artist who lives up to her reputation of “kicking so much ass, she has to buy new shoes,” according to Jonathan Byrd, fellow singer-songwriter. Open mic performers get 10 minutes each from 8 to 9pm, and admission is $7.
And to cap off the week, V Lounge (3366 Douglas St.) hosts an open jam every Saturday from 2 to 6pm. This jam has everything, from a full PA system and house band, and welcomes all genres and musicians. Get there early to get your name on the list.