Best open mic joints in The Emerald City

The best open mic venue for Sunday night, and probably the entire week, is the Conor Byrne Pub. This Ballard gem has produced quality entertainment on a weekly basis for the last six years and the standards for musicians just keep rising. The stage is big enough to host entire bands – and a stationary piano – and has great mood lighting, created by a few par cans and a beautiful chandelier. Dan Yost has been the official host and sound engineer for the Sunday treat since 2009. To keep things interesting and help out fellow musicians, Yost features a new host every week, each coming from a different background; some just coming out of their shell, some established comedians, and some just great musicians checking out their competition. This is the only open mic venue that’s been said to be too generous with applause and support, which can be inspiring – or a little crippling in the constructive criticism part of it all. Like most open mics, there’s a variety of music coming through and an abundance of excited performers waiting for their chance to play at the Conor Byrne. According to Yost, every show “ebbs and flows like a good open mic” with lots of feedback and even some audience participation. Signup is always at 7:30 p.m. and the list fills up within minutes, which can be hard on the newcomers who haven’t figured out the game yet. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. and goes until everyone on the list gets a shot to impress the crowd. Since the venue has a full bar, it’s 21 and up only. If you want to try out your spoken word or stand-up – you’ll have to take it somewhere else.  The Conor Byrne is exclusively for musical performances.

Photo: Alina Shanin

Monday

The Seamonster Lounge in Wallingford is the best open mic to hit up on a Monday night. This venue is definitely a lounge, complete with couches and mood lighting. Colorful sea-themed art decorates the walls surrounding the stage area, which is just big enough to host a variety of talents. Kent Halvorsen has been one of the open mic hosts and sound technicians for the last two years and was surprised to find himself enjoying it so much. A variety of genres are represented, including ukuleles, rock, blues, funk, and one-man bands that will impress even the harshest critics. Seamonster welcomes all types of performances, including spoken word, but it can be challenging to get a decent response from the crowd, according to Halvorsen. This comfy venue gets packed quickly, the friendly atmosphere usually allows for a seat, and it’s guaranteed to be within earshot.  Guest appearances are common, providing great entertainment from artists like Jim Page, but can also make it difficult to stay on schedule. Overall, this is a great venue to try out new material and gather some legitimate crowd input for musicians. Signup is at 9 p.m. with the show starting a little before 10, providing plenty of time to enjoy a drink from the fully stocked bar or to grab some food off the $5 menu.

Photo: Alina Shanin

Tuesday

Tuesday’s open mic winner is the Starlight Songwriters Night at Shadowland in West Seattle. Patrick Smail, songwriter and host of three and a half years, said that while the emphasis for performers is on original music, there are no set rules, and he’s seen everything from jugglers, to stand up, and hip hop. The venue has one of the best sound systems in the area and plenty of room to sit and enjoy great food and a variety of drinks. One of the benefits to the West Seattle location is the development of great connections that comes from a strong sense of community. Smail said that not only has the venue established regulars who come back for repeated shows, but it has played a hand in a few new band formations, which led to some great projects. He encourages musicians to advertise for upcoming shows and promote their music in whatever form it comes in. Smail tells us the audience response is usually good, and the regulars in the crowd set the mood for the newcomers, and that a proper response can change the artist’s entire demeanor while on stage. To  encourage performers to come up with new material and try harder, Smail hosts a “Best of Tuesdays” on the last Saturday of every month, featuring musicians who entertained the crowd the most. Signup is 9 p.m. and music starts at about 10.

Photo: Alina Shanin

Wednesday

The choice for best Wednesday open mic venue is the Hopvine Pub, on Capitol Hill. This cozy bar is always full of supportive listeners and talented performers, who are consistently trying out new styles, new material and growing their confidence as musicians. The open mic has been around for about 15 years, and has definitely established a certain level of expectation, from both artists and the audience. Eric Miller, a songwriter himself, is the current host.  He also runs sound to the dimly lit, intimate stage, decorated with a collage of past musicians.  According to Miller, Wednesday nights are usually a full house and the caliber of performers is always good, which drives artists to produce better songs and attract even more talented guests. It’s rare to see a boring performance here, but when it does happen, the crowd is still respectful and at worst will ignore the act, Miller said. In his five months of working at the venue, Miller has experienced an array of genres, from folk to alternative rock to string ensembles to covers with a spin. The Hopvine has a great menu selection including pizza, sandwiches, salads, soups and appetizers and also serves beer and wine, which places an age restriction for everyone, including performers. The open mic is always free and sign-up is at 8 p.m., with the show starting shortly after.

Thursday