9 Open Mics Nights to Keep You Making Music

September 22, 2016

Maybe you are a musician that might have found the perfect arrangement with a killer melody for the lyrics that has been hiding in your notebook needing some listening ears. Perhaps you’re trying find a counterpart to start the band that was meant to be, or just working the grind and need a venue to sing a couple of songs and listen to peers doing the same.

If any of these are you, the list below of Chattanooga’s Open Mic Nights is for you. Try a few out until you find your desired spot. All listed are free and open to the public.

Might we also suggest a new podcast for you to enjoy, Open Mic Spotlight by local open mic’r and Make Music Day artist, Heatherly. Heatherly highlights the musicians you can hear at the spots featured on our list. Listen to the first episode, in which she interviews Megan Howard to discover which open mic once featured a surprise wedding. Subscribe to Open Mic Spotlight on iTunes and undaground, so you don’t miss an episode.

Mondays

The Well, 8:00 – 11:00

1800 Rossville Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37404

Shawnessey Cargile host a fun, powerful, and intimate open mic.  There is a meet and greet at 7:30 and is open to musicians, poets, storytellers, and ranters of any age.  So keep it PG.

The Granfalloon  7:30 – 10:30 (last Monday of the month)

400 E Main St. #120, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Collected yet spontaneous, the musicians at Jessica Nunn’s “Open Air” bring out collaborations fusing Folk and Funk with R&B,  Hip Hop with Rock & Roll, maybe even Bluegrass and Jazz.   

Tuesdays

The Stone Cup 7:00 – 9:00 (every other Tuesday)

208 Frazier Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37405

Coffee shop authentic and possibly the open with the best view with the Walnut Street Walking bridge as a backdrop, David Andrew runs an open mic that is open to music and poetry.

Tremont Tavern 8:30 – close

1203 Hixson Pike Chattanooga, TN 37405

Mike McDade holds down at the longest open mic (10 years) in Chattanooga, even though it is a singer/song writers haven, with multiple microphones, jams sessions are the norm.  Be there at 7:30 to sign up.

Slick’s Burgers  6:00 – 10:00

309 E Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

Jerry Fordham hosts Slick’s Burgers new open mic, now happening every Tuesday. Full plug and play system for solo or band acts is available.

Wednesdays

The Office 8:00 – close

901 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402

It’s Blues Night! Your instrument will stick out like a sore thumb while blues bleeds through these thin walls. The house band will call you out to see if you can cut a rug with them for a couple of rounds. Located next to City Cafe and Days Inn. Come back following night…

Thursdays

The Office 9:00 – close

901 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Hap Henninger pumps a lot fun and energy out in such a small place. Due to it’s location, there is always a different crowd to please every week.

Moccasin Bend Brewing Company   7:00 – 9:00

3210 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37408

This is open to all ages. It is hosted by long-time open mic’r and Make Music alumni, Ryan Oyer.

Fridays

Barking Legs – 8:00 (first Friday of the month)

1307 Dodds Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37404

With “The Floor is Yours,” you’re going to have to sign up a month in advance due to the quantity of artist signing, but worth performing your music in such a unique place other than the standard bar open mic. Visit their Facebook page to find out how to sign up.

Did we forget any? Email the info to chattanooga@makemusicday.org and we will add it to the list. Keep creating and celebrating music, Chattanooga.