I’ve been exploring the Open Mic night circuit these past couple weeks. If you are so inclined, there is at least one open stage each weekday night.
Mondays: The Up & Under Pub (1216 E. Brady St.)
The Up & Under Pub may be notorious for their youthful drinking crowd, but they shine in the Open Mic arena. Sign-up begins at 9 p.m. and acts are interspersed with tight jams from the house band. The bar stocks about 20 beers on tap and you can always count on a nightly special. Cocktail tables provide sufficient seating for listeners, who usually amass a bit later in the evening. And the stage is elevated and real, which may add to the nerves and/or excitement.
Tuesdays: The Miramar Theater (2844 N. Oakland Ave.)
The Miramar Theater provides a spacious stage with impressive acoustics and lighting. Signup begins at 7:30 p.m. and you’re permitted 10 minutes of spoken word or two songs. They welcome poets, musicians, comedians, storytellers – anyone. An added bonus is a recording of your performance on CD to provide a source of self-critique. And yes, they do have a bar. I have not yet experience this establishment, but from the little I’ve seen and heard – this is a cozy community environment.
Wednesdays: Linneman’s Riverwest Inn (1001 E. Locust St.)
This may be my new favorite Open Mic spot. Linneman’s is sectioned off into two separate but unified spaces. The bar is in the front room with a pool table – shots can get a little tight in the small space. Two TVs usually play some form of concert or documentary and sometimes they’ll broadcast the band or artist who is performing in the other room so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. The stage is smaller, but a perfect size for a single performer or a minimally equipped band. Owner Jim Linneman works the soundboard and occasionally graces the stage at the night’s end. The Linneman’s bonus: The microphones have a holder for your pint of beer, or water. Signup is at 9 p.m. and music starts at 9:30 p.m.
Thursdays: Brocach Irish Pub (1850 N. Water St.)
I’ve already gone on and on about Brocach, so I’ll be brief. Jerry and Evan usually host this Open Mic night, which begins at 9:30 p.m. This is probably the most informal of the Open Mics. The same people generally show up and there is no stage in the upstairs space. You can always count on $1 High Life or $5 Guinness. Impromptu collaborations often occur and the crowd is always welcoming and positive. The hosts are comical and typically play a Pixies and Modest Mouse cover – they need to throw some new songs in there. Good times at Brocach on Thursdays.
So maybe you’re not a singer or a poet. No problem, but after a couple pints, who knows?
Bay View Bash
Kinnickinnic Ave. from Potter St. to Clement Ave.
Saturday, September 19
Don’t forget to check out this year’s 100 percent volunteer-run Bay View Bash. Enjoy local food, music, beer and wine. Proceeds from this Bash will go to the Bay View Historical Society for the renovation, maintenance and preservation of the Historic Beulah Brinton House.
Mona’s Restaurant and Nightclub
1407 S. 1st St.
Saturday, September 19
The Old Timer’s at Mona’s brings generations together and continues a Milwaukee tradition. This event, which starts at 2 p.m., celebrates friendships of the past and the future – you don’t have to be old to participate!
Hi Hat Lounge & Garage
1701 N. Arlington Pl.
Thursdays
Ladies Night: DJs Kid Cut Up and Steve Marxx and two complimentary drinks for the ladies.
Rustico Pizzeria
223 N. Water St.
Thursdays
Every Thursday buy a pitcher of beer and get a free pizza. Check out the Web site for more daily specials.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. 9th St.
Tuesday through Friday
Half price Old Fashioneds and Depression-era cocktails from 5-9 p.m.
Stonefly Brewery
735 E. Center St.
Friday, September 18
The Night Krawlers at 10 p.m.
Apartment 720
720 N. Milwaukee St.
Friday, September 18
DJ White Shadow’s B-day Tour. Doors open at 10 p.m. $5 tall cocktails and $100 bottles of Three Olives Grape and Cherry.
Kenadee’s Ultra Pub
718 N. Milwaukee St.
Monday-Wednesday
Happy hour 4-9 p.m. Enjoy $2 taps and $5 appetizers.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
1850 N. Water St.
Monday, September 21
Check out Brocach’s Monday movie night on the patio with free kettle corn and $2.50 Lakefront bottles. This Monday, West Side Story.
Café Lulu
2265 S. Howell Ave.
Monday-Friday
Try the Lulu happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7 p.m. and Mon-Thurs 11 p.m.-close. Take a $1 off all rail drinks, tap beer and wine.
Blackbird
3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Tuesdays
Blackbird offers one of my new favorite Happy Hour specials: Free tacos from Hector’s, 4-8 p.m. or until supplies last. Also, $4 Margaritas and $2 Pacifico and Corona
Cactus Club
2496 S. Wentworth
Saturday, September 19
Jail, The Menthols, Drugs Dragons, Sticks N Stones. Show starts at 10 p.m.
Benno’s Genuine Bar & Grill
7413 W. Greenfield Ave.
Mondays
$1 off all taps and three sliders for $3.
Discovery World
500 N. Harbor Dr.
Friday, September 18
Check out the series finale of Fish Fry and a Flick with Night of the Living Dead in 3D. Enjoy fish and great beer specials from Point Brewery. Begins at 5:30 p.m. Movie at dusk.
Thief Wine Shop and Bar
400 N. Water St.
Tuesday, September 22
Seatings at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. at the wine bar. Cost of the tasting is $15. Full-bodied Whites. They’ve explored the crisp side of white wines in recent tasting; now it’s time to delve into fuller, richer, mouthcoating whites.
