Just For the Love of Music: An Open-Mic Guide

A group collective of both like-minded and drastically differing individuals, brought together by their love for music - this is the open mic.

Throughout the city of Buffalo and neighboring towns, people from all walks of life are congregating, spreading their own personal art and talent. They each have their own reasons for being there, whether it be to witness the spectacle, cover a few classic Bob Dylan tunes or simply to get out of the house. With these reasons, they meld together harmoniously to make the open mic what it truly is.

"It's a great place to get your start," said former UB undergraduate and current resident of Buffalo, Carl DeCesare. "Also, it's a good confidence builder," he said. From Sunday nights at McGarrett's (formerly Heenans), to Thursdays at Coffee &, the opportunities to step in-front of a microphone and experience the sensation of spreading one's message and art are plentiful.

Several venues offer quality open-mic nights frequented by many locals, as well as a constantly changing influx of newcomers. Beginning last Sunday, McGarrett's freed up their PA for anyone interested in doing their thing to take it to the stage. Local jazz-fusion band The Sweep played throughout the course of the evening, while several solo guitarists also grasped the opportunity. On the Elmwood strip, Merlin's hosts a Sunday night open mic at 10 p.m.

There are no boos and no criticism, just pure musical expression, where everyone's own interpretation matters just as much as the person sitting next to them.

On Monday evenings, two diverse and well-frequented open-mics draw in musicians, poets and attendees from all walks of life. At Nietzsche's, located at 248 Allen St., the longest running open-mic in Buffalo holds everything from politically inspired free-flowing freestyle to hard rock cover bands playing some sort of rendition of 80's metal. There's young, old, white, black, "goth" and hippie; all sharing in their respective 15 minutes of fame.

Stimulance, situated across the street from the famed Sal's Pizzeria, boasts one of the premiere open-mics in Buffalo. Organizers Ray and Chris treat the amateur musicians to free use of the PA system and a microphone. Inside, the acoustics are stellar, making for much crisper sound, and as a result, delighted musicians. In bringing personal talent to the eyes and ears of the public, Stimulance allows for the musicians to completely capitalize on making their art sound as good as possible. All of this, not to mention the locality, is perfect for UB students.

"Stimulance is hot. The people are great, there's a lot of talent and the hosts are really supportive of everyone," senior interdisciplinary social sciences major Liam Gallagher said. Gallagher is a veteran of the local open-mic scene, performing at McGarrett's, Stimulance and Broadway Joe's. He maintained that everyone helps one another through the process, thereby giving the proper encouragement and support needed to make an open-mic sincerely work.

Every Tuesday, Broadway Joe's opens its garage door to some of the most talented open-mic acts in the city. Gallagher's band, 5 Man Trio, as well as several varying DJs, emcees, bands and solo acts grace the stage on any given night. Diverse crowds of mostly UB students flock here every Tuesday for the 25-cent drafts and quality entertainment.

"Any music genre is welcome, it's a welcoming crowd," said DeCesare. With the new smoking ban in effect, Joe's has taken full advantage of its sliding garage door that allows patrons to smoke outside while still having the action on stage in full view. Buffalo resident Dan Book, whose banjo playing intensity makes his fingertips bleed onto his instrument every time out, says it simply: "All I need is 25 cents and I'm set."

Poetry readings, comedians and music can be witnessed at Sexton's on Oliver Street in North Tonawanda on Wednesday evenings, while senior art major Chris Taillie and his band perform at the new RendezVous on Main Street. Live poetry is read while the band performs an eclectic mixture of jazz/fusion. Crowd members are more than welcome to shout out a particular musical style, and if lucky, the band may actually listen and do so. The Cozumel, along with having delicious grub, also hosts an open mic night Wednesdays.

Lastly, Coffee & offers-up their space to open mic faithful Thursday evenings at 8pm. Situated at 4610 Niagara Falls Boulevard, it's a prime location for the many UB students living on North Campus.

Buffalo has many opportunities each week for musicians, poets, comedians and everyone else that enjoys spreading their message publicly. So whether it's the singer/songwriter, freestyle, comedy, poetry, rock or jazz scene, take advantage of one of the several open-mic stages this city has to offer.