See also:
Hollywood's Native Florida Tap Room and Music Hall Open Mic Edition
Aspiring rock stars, looking for a place to start your rock 'n' roll journey? Want to get on a steady show circuit that doesn't involve you crying at the gas pump after your second show? Local open mic nights are probably a good first step.
Many restaurant and bar venues in Broward and Palm Beach counties have included regular open mic nights in their weekly schedule. These shows present an invaluable opportunity for local musicians to get their start without the painstaking hassles of regular tour bookings. So, if you're tired of sitting on a stack of songs that only your parents and your inattentive cat have heard, you should probably check out this list.
Broward
Native Florida Tap Room and Music Hall
2006 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
Open Mic Night: Every Thursday at 9 p.m.
Having experienced the splendor of this particular venue firsthand, we can assure you, this place is the real deal. Professional grade sound, spacious interior and consistently superior acts. Kilmo, the owner, can also be seen on occasion, performing with his band Kilmo and The Killers.
Stage 84
9118 W State Rd 84, Davie
Open Mic Night: Alternating Tuesdays at 9 p.m.
Stage 84 is not one of the larger venues in town, but its reputation among the locals makes it a definite must on your list of places to play. Just don't be surprised when you hear yourself say "The stage looked a bit bigger on their website." On a side note, the host of the open mic has played with Van Morrison. Just sayin'.
Cheers Restaurant and Bar
941 Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale
Open Mic Night: Every Monday at 9 p.m.
When trying to coerce your friends into attending one of these things, the words "no cover, free parking, and free pool" are powerful tools. Check out Cheers Restaurant and Bar. Everybody may not know your name here, but they could pretend to if you buy them drinks.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
Open Mic Night: The second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts was probably not a venue you'd expect to find on this list. Expectations aside, this place actually holds singer-songwriter showcases on the second Monday of each month. Just try not to catch the theater bug mid-performance.
J. B. Locals Raw Bar and Grill
8110 N. University Drive, Tamarac
Open Mic Night: Every Wednesday
Aside from its neighborhood hangout appeal, J.B. Locals also has its own billiard and dart league. So hit up the open mic on Wednesday night and find out why the hell they would name a drink Sex with an Alligator.
Palm Beach
The Funky Buddha Lounge and Brewery
2621 N. Federal Hwy, Boca Raton
Open Mic Night: Every Wednesday at 8 p.m.
You definitely have to give kudos to a place that does open mics for charity. While playing a show at The Funky Buddha, you'll see people enjoying themselves while still taking time to donate money or canned goods to those less fortunate.
Dada Restaurant & Lounge
52 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach
Open Mic Night: Every Tuesday at 9 p.m.
A frequent staple on the PureHoney show schedule, the people who designed Dada should be given a pat on the back. Needless to say, this converted house looks awesome. Before you rock the stage next Tuesday night, feel free to check out the Beach Day show tonight.
Propaganda
6 South J Street, Lake Worth
Open Mic Night: Every Sunday at 9 p.m.
Regarded as one of the premier rock venues in Palm Beach County, playing a show here will definitely enrich your resume as a musician. Better yet, hit up the venue this Sunday and hope that Saturday night's Red Jumpsuit Apparatus fans were too tired to leave the venue.
The Funky Biscuit
303 SE Mizner Boulevard, Boca Raton
Open Mic Night: Every Monday at 8:30 p.m.
If the name of this place alone doesn't compel you to try their open mic night, I assure you this conveniently placed promo video will.
Swampgrass Willy's
9910 ALT A1A #711, Palm Beach Gardens
Open Mic Night: Every Tuesday at 10 p.m.
How can you not love a place that was voted both "Best Live Music Venue" and "Best Wings" by the Palm Beach Post? Still not sold? This place is also a full service recording studio. So remember, after that killer acoustic set, don't be afraid to talk to some of those engineers at the bar.
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