The Nine Best Open Mike Nights in Broward and Palm Beach

We've all had that urge to take to the stage and sing. There is no shortcut. You have to just get out there and unleash your inner diva or troubadour at the open mike night. All you need is a name, a song, and a venue. Broward and Palm Beach have a fair share of  open mike nights. Here are nine to check out.
9. First and Third Wednesdays at Bailey Contemporary Arts
The twice-monthly Lyrics Lab bills itself as "a unique, no-ego, open-mic night." They invite you to bring your latest poems, verses, songs, lyrics, and beats to "share in our intimate space with renowned hosts and poets, accompanied by our two-piece house band." There is a $10 entry fee, and you should arrive at the 8 p.m. opening to get your name on the list.

8. Third Fridays at J's Bar
Starting November 18, J's Bar is making every third Friday Mind, Body & Soul open mike night. Registration begins at 7:30 p.m. and is open to "all types of performers, musicians, poets, spoken word, DJ's, comedians, singers, and any other talent you would like to bring to the stage." There is a $10 cover charge that allows you to stay for the after-party.
7. Third Saturdays at Soulfully Good Restaurant & Lounge
The Miramar restaurant opens the stage to singers, poets, comedians, rappers, or anyone else who wants to show off their talents every third Saturday. The next one is November 19. They request no discrimination or hate pieces, but anything else goes starting at 8:30 p.m.
6. Tuesday nights at the Dive Bar
The Fort Lauderdale bar is trying to make Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. a weekly tradition for the local aspiring comic and musician.  Bring a song, a dance, or a joke and see if you can make the crowd cry tears of joy into their beers.
5. Fourth Tuesday of every month at ArtServe
On every fourth Tuesday, the Fort Lauderdale gallery opens at 6:30 p.m. Performances start at 7. There is a $5 cover fee for a show hosted by Michelle Rose Domb that showcases local artistic talent.
4. Third Friday of every month at Harold's Coffee Lounge
The next event here is November 18 at 6 p.m. Lyrical Ink has long been the monthly get-together for West Palm's musicians, rappers, steppers, comedians, actors, and interpretive dancers. They describe the event as "a safe, creative space for artists from all walks of life and any skill level. It is a place that truly spotlights local talent and encourages our artists to shine, inspire, share, and creatively unify."
3. Tuesdays at Piano Hollywood
Every Tuesday night, this bar hosts Sessions, an evening dedicated to singers, poets, and musicians. The signup sheets come out at 8 p.m. They stop accepting new names at 10. Entertainment starts at 9:30, and there is a two-drink minimum per guest.
2. Monday nights at Dada
Every Monday night at 10 p.m., the Delray Beach restaurant hosts Basement Jams Open Mic. As added incentive, if you perform a song, they treat you to a free drink. Throughout October, they also had comedy open mikes at 9 p.m. hosted by Mike Cintron.
1. Tuesdays at Marina 84
There's only one open mike night that offers cash prizes, and that's Tuesday nights at Marina84. While creativity should be its own reward, it's nice to walk away with a heavier pocket after appearing onstage. It starts at 8 p.m. and is hosted by Kel Thompson. The prize winners are chosen by the crowd, so performers are encouraged to bring friends.