The open mic—a time-honored way for singers to perform, test material, keep vocal chords in shape, socialize with peers and so much more. There are quite a few regular sessions in Manhattan—enough to keep anyone busy, indeed. Unlike the informality of a piano bar, the open mic has a formal structure: participants sign up and then give their all, in turn.
Open mics are not only good for the performers, but their virtues ripple out. They benefit the cabaret community (and other performing communities), as well. Club owners should make no mistake, they they benefit too. They gain awareness of their establishments and the prospect of repeat business for more open mic sessions and beyond. In showing good will towards open mics, club owners not only demonstrate support for live performance, but acknowledge a good business practice.
The following list of open mics was compiled with the invaluable assistance of Barbara Malley, who suggests also Googling “open mics in NYC” for ideas. Malley adds, “Googling leads to lists and reviews of several, such as ‘the 15 best’ or the ‘best in a neighborhood’ or on ‘a particular night.’ Each one seems to attract different types of people.”
- Cleopatra’s Needle: Sunday from 4 PM to 8 PM and Wednesday from 7 PM to 11 PM, 2485 Broadway, 212-769-6969, www.cleopatrasneedleny.com/schedule.html
- Spotlight on You: Hosted by Natasha Castillo with a variety of accompanists. There is a featured singer at each session. At 53 Above, 318 West 53rd St., but for date and time, check Natasha Castillo’s “Spotlight on You” Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SpotlightOnYouOpenMic/ as well as www.53above.com/calendar
- Symphony Space/Bar Thalia: No cover and no minimum. Check web site for dates and times, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400, www.symphonyspace.org/bar-thalia
- Salon: Hosted by Mark Janas. Sunday night at Don’t Tell Mama (343 W 46th St.) from 7:30 to 10:30, with a $15 cover (cash only) and $15 food/drink minimum. There is a different suggested theme for each session, plus a co-host and a spotlight personality. Reservations not required, but when there is a full house, those without reservations will be turned away. www.donttellmamanyc.com
- MAC Roving Mic: Dates and places are posted on the MAC Facebook page. Sign-in is at 6:30 and singing begins at 7:00 PM. ONLY MAC members may sing. No cover for MAC members, $10 cover for visitors. Minimum for food/drink is determined by the location. MACnyc.com
- Polly’s Follies: Generally meets every other Monday at the Margarita Bar NYC, 709 Eighth Ave., from 7 to 10 PM. Check Polly McKie’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/polly.mckie for time and date. This is an informal and friendly open mic. McKie encourages humor and sing-a-longs. There’s no cover or minimum, but contributions are welcome, to pay for the accompanist. No reservations required.
- Dan Manjovi’s Open Mic: This open mic is held once a month from 7 to 9 PM. There is a $25 cover at the door, $20 if purchased in advance, plus a minimum. Well-organized open mic that follows a set procedure. For exact date and place, email Manjovi at info@djm-studio.com or check his Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/dan.manjovi
- The Den: Hosted by Carolyn Montgomery and Jeff Cubeta every Saturday night in the Staybridge Suites at 340 West 40th Street. The time is from 8:30 to 11:30 PM. There is a featured performer each week. https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.montgomery.94
- Cast Party: Hosted by Jim Caruso at Birdland (315 West 44th St.) every Monday night at 9:30 PM. There’s a $30 cover and $10 minimum. To find out more, go to: www.castpartynyc.com/how-it-works.html
- Parnell’s Piano Sessions: Parnell’s Pub (350 East 53rd Street) is more piano bar than open mic, but guest singers are often invited to sing as well. To check the schedule, go to www.parnellsnyc.com/events.html
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