While a student at Musicians Institute, you will get plenty of time to perform on a stage on our campus. But one of the best things about studying in Los Angeles is the open mic nights that will allow you to start practicing out in the real world, and getting your music heard beyond MI. We encourage everyone at MI to immerse themselves in the Hollywood scene as much as they can, so here are some open mic nights in Los Angeles to get you on the road to being one of our next student success stories!
Updated March 2023
Sunday Sounds @ Green Tea Studios
Something Dope For the People
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The Baked Potato
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3787 Cahuenga Blvd., Studio City
While the famed jazz and blues venue has live music every night of the week, their Monday nights offer up-and-coming musicians a chance to step on stage to have an open jam. You can also go up and play on your own, but the beauty of this staple venue is that you never know who you’re going to meet on stage or in the crowd.
The Dresden
1760 N Vermont Ave., Los Angeles
The Dresden has some old Hollywood vibes and is an intimate spot to hop on a stage. On Tuesday nights, you can join the iconic Hollywood house duo, Marty and Elayne, for a night of tunes. You can bring your own instrument or collaborate with the duo to make it a special performance, no matter what.
Soulful of Noise @ Sola Beehive
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1000 E 60th St, Los Angeles
Soulful Sundays is the biggest open mic in the nation and takes place the first Sunday of every month at the Sola Beehive at 2 pm. If you are an artist looking to share your talents with an audience that actually appreciates good music then you will feel right at home at Soulful Sundays.
If you want to sign up for the open mic follow our IG @soulfulofnoise. The sign-up sheet will be posted on the day of the event. Bring your music on a flash drive. The Dj plays your record and our house band, The Noise, will learn your music on the spot. The Dj cuts the track and you perform with the band. Each artist is allowed to perform ONE record, and if the crowd wants to hear more then, by all means, keep them entertained!
The Cork Lounge
5043 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks
Every Tuesday, The Cork Lounge welcomes musicians to play up to 2 songs (and a maximum of 10 minutes) on their open mic stage. If you’re someone of many talents, the open mic is also open to comedians, poets and storytellers! Sign-ups begin at 7:30 p.m., with the show starting at 8.
El Cid
4212 W Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
Every Monday night, El Cid strives to give its open mic night a bit more of a variety show feel, where performers can also try comedy and poetry, alongside music. The sign-ups begin at 9:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 10:00!
Canter’s Kibitz Room
419 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
The legendary Kibitz Room’s stage has hosted some epic rock bands since its addition to Canter’s Deli in 1961, and Slash, Mick Jagger and Sting have been known to pop in for a jam or scout. The open mic is on Sunday nights from 10:00 p.m. through 11:30 p.m., but being out on a school night for this is definitely worth it.
Tuesday Night Cafe
120 Judge John Aiso St, Los Angeles
Tuesday Night Cafe (TNC) is a donation-based public arts series rooted in the Asian American community in Little Tokyo with shows every first and third Tuesday from April to October. Each night allows for three 5 minute slots for open mic performers, so you must be there before 7:00 p.m. to sign up. Please note: TNC prioritizes artists who identify as Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, People of Color, LGBTQIA, Gender Non-Conforming /Non-Binary, youth and elders.
Silverlake Lounge
2906 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
Every Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m, Silverlake Lounge hosts its Wasted Afternoons open mic, where you can try out your new tunes, comedy skits, poetry, spoken word and more. Happy Hour is until 8:00 p.m., so now you know why it will be a wasted afternoon…
All performers and attendees must be 21+.
Maui Sugar Mill Saloon
18389 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana
If you’re living in the San Fernando Valley, there are some options a bit closer to home. The Maui Sugar Mill Saloon in Tarzana offers and open mic night on Tuesdays at 8pm, and is open for music, along with poetry and comedy! This venue is 21+ with a 2 drink minimum.
Crave Cafe
11992 Ventura Blvd. Studio City
Crave in Studio City hosts an open mic every Tuesday night from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00. Grab a coffee and check out some local artists in a supportive environment! Sign-up begins at 7 p.m., but remember to get there early because slots fill up quickly.
Echoes On Pico
5025 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles
Echoes on Sunset has come back as Echoes on Pico, a community venue on Pico Blvd. The spot holds open mics every day at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and they are always hosting a huge variety of performers and events!
Are there any open mics in L.A. that we missed? Let us know!