At these Long Island open mic nights, support (not experience) is required
If you’re thinking of singing in a place other than your shower, or you’re ready to bring your band out of the basement, open mic nights around Long Island give you the big chance to get up on stage in front of an audience.
Whether you’re a performer or someone who loves to watch a show, attending an open mic night is a fun way to spend a summer evening. Musicians network and play well-known or original tunes, comedians try out new material, poets read heartfelt words, and much more, while audience members grab drinks and dinner.
Here how most local open mic nights work: participating restaurants or bars (some events are not kid friendly) designate a weeknight for performers with no fee, audition or prior experience required. Performers simply add their names to a sign-up sheet and are introduced by a host before filling a time slot that typically averages 15 minutes.
Stephen Grupstein, of New Hyde Park, sings at open mic night at Bartini in Babylon. Credit: Morgan Campbell
“When you open the mic to anybody, anybody shows up. Mostly acoustic-y kinds of music and bands come through," says Mike Longo, open mic host at Mr. Beery’s in Bethpage. "I've had people make balloon animals," he says, and comedians drop in to test out their jokes.
Longo adds, “Some people say it’s their first time performing in front of anyone, ever. I’ll encourage those people to try because I see how much joy it can bring.”
Here are five venues hosting weekly open mic opportunities.
BIWEEKLY AT KATIE’S OF SMITHTOWN
There are two open mic nights at Katie’s: On Mondays, Jackie Guma, a DJ and radio show host, leads the event, which she says is geared more toward bands and is for adults only. Drums, microphones and guitar amps are set up on the stage, performers just need to bring their own instruments.
“I’ve seen bands in this area since 2014. So, I’ve seen all these people grow and we’ve created a community," Guma says. "If you’re involved with an open mic circuit, you’ll probably see someone you know.”
Tuesdays are geared more toward singers who want to get up onstage with a band and kids are welcome. "I pair open mic performers with my band members," says host and performer Bobby Rondinelli. "The networking possibilities are unbelievable. You know how many musicians have gotten bands together just from coming to a jam? It’s like a singles bar for musicians.”
DETAILS: 145 W. Main St., Smithtown; 631-360-8556; katiesofsmithtown.com; Monday sign up at 7:30 p.m., show starts 8 p.m.; 21-plus. Tuesday: No sign-up sheet. Arrive at 9 p.m. Performers under 21 welcome with a parent.
MONDAYS AT BARTINI BAR & LOUNGE
Open mic night has been a staple at Bartini in Babylon for the past 16 years, so over time, it has garnered regulars that come in weekly to perform. Still, newcomers are welcome to drop in, sign up on the list and play.
James Larson, 15, of Syosset, plays his guitar during an open mic night at Amalfi. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
"The musicians in the crowd are really appreciative and supportive" of other performers, says co-owner Dave Drew. "I’ve seen people come in as total beginners and within a relatively short period of time, they’re out doing gigs. They just need that one little opportunity to get on stage and show people what they can do. That’s the most rewarding part.”
DETAILS: 124 N. Carll Ave., Babylon; 631-897-0681; bartinibar.com; sign up at 7:30 p.m., show starts: 8 p.m.; 21-plus.
TUESDAYS AT AMALFI PIZZERIA AND RESTAURANT
David Lamm is a guitarist and open mic night host at Amalfi on Tuesday nights. He says, “I bring my P.A. system down and set up a stage close to the tables where families are having dinner."
Lamm will start by playing his guitar for about a half-hour, then open the floor up to performers.
"We’ve had people do comedy or read poetry. I’ve got a gentleman in his mid-70s who comes regularly and sings Sinatra songs, and I’ve had 4- and 5-year-old kids and their families, who while having dinner, get up and sing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.'"
James Larson, 15, of Syosset, recently began performing at Amalfi. He says, “It was hard to find an open mic night where someone my age could play guitar and sing. My mom found Amalfi on Facebook. First, we went down and just watched. Then, the next week, I brought my guitar and played. I was nervous, but the audience was so supportive."
THE DETAILS: 197 Forest Ave., Glen Cove; 516-801-6544; amalfiglencove.com; sign up Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., show lasts until 8:30 p.m.; all ages.
TUESDAYS AT THE WHISKEY BARREL
People dine at the restaurant while watching performers bravely show off their skills. “Here in Port Jefferson, summer is a great time for open mic performers because the town is on the water. People come to shop, walk around, and eat,” says manager Joseph Consiglio.
DETAILS: 138 Main St., Port Jefferson; 631-743-9418; thewhiskeybarrelpj.com; open mic night on Tuesdays, sign up at 7 p.m., show starts 8 p.m.; all ages.
THURSDAYS AT MR. BEERY’S
Longo says people will drop in with a variety of talents — even performing circus acts. “It’s rare, but it happens," he says. Those who want to perform are asked to call ahead.
DETAILS: 4019 Hempstead Tpke., Bethpage; 516-579-7049; mrbeerys.com; Open mic night is on Thursdays, show starts 9 p.m.; 21-plus; A second Mr. Beery’s open mic night takes place in East Rockaway; 35 Main St.
