All Over Albany

'The Best Damn Open Mic' is hosted by Mother Judge & Albie at McGeary's on Wednesday nights. Of course there are many others on other days of the week at other venues as well; but, you wouldn't regret going to McGeary's, good people good music and good food there.

... said Graceful J on Jan 14, 2013 at 1:56 PM | link

The Arts Center of the Capital Region has a monthly Open Mic on the second Sunday of each month at 2PM in our Black Box Theater in Troy. The next date is February 10th.
http://www.artscenteronline.org/poetry-and-prose-open-mic/4762/

... said Lauren Hittinger on Jan 14, 2013 at 2:02 PM | link

Hudson River Cafe on Quail has a good open mic set up every Thursday night.

... said Zac on Jan 14, 2013 at 3:02 PM | link

http://albanypoets.com/events/

... said Tess on Jan 14, 2013 at 3:08 PM | link

It depends on what kind of music you're into, but we like the Open Mic at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs on Thursday nights. They have mostly people who both sing and play instruments, but every so often you'll get poets, comedians, solo singers, etc.

It does cost $3 to get in, but I figure it's technically a non-profit, so I don't really mind. Here is some info:
http://www.caffelena.org/events-calendar/regular-features/open-mic-night/

... said Rachel on Jan 14, 2013 at 4:15 PM | link

I'll give ya three:
Wednesday nights at Putnam Den, hosted by Hard Soul, provides a backline if needed;
The Moon & River Cafe in Schenectady hosts the longest running open mic Sunday evenings;
Erin Harkes hosts one Tuesday nights at Stout on Broadway in Albany.

... said Andrew Gregory on Jan 14, 2013 at 4:42 PM | link

Great suggestions, thanks y'all.

... said Terrence Rusch on Jan 14, 2013 at 7:09 PM | link

I think Tuesday Night Live at Justin's is Open Mic. It's a pretty fun time.
https://www.facebook.com/OpenMicLive?ref=ts&fref=ts

... said Summer on Jan 14, 2013 at 8:04 PM | link

Putnam Den in Saratoga. Hard Soul, which is a local band based out of Albany (they're really great, they have original stuff but also know SO many covers) hosts it and they have their stuff set up if you need back up music or moral support ; )

... said V on Jan 16, 2013 at 9:56 AM | link

The Rustic Barn Pub has an awesome open mic every Thursday night. They have local bands host and there is always a great crowd. It's a really warm and friendly atmosphere to.

... said Evan on Jan 23, 2014 at 11:20 AM | link

Trickshots in Clifton Park, recently named the Capitol Region's #1 best Open Mic Night!

... said The David on Apr 10, 2014 at 6:13 PM | link

This Facebook page keeps a calendar of area open mics as we hear about them!

https://www.facebook.com/CapitalRegionOpenMic

... said Deidra on Apr 23, 2014 at 7:29 AM | link

Acoustic Open Mic at Bobby T's Sports Grill!
221 N. Allen St., Albany

Every Tuesday night Bobby T's Sports Grill opens its doors to acoustic musicians, hip-hop artists, comedians, poets, and more! Host Brain LaPoint kicks off the entertainment at 7pm, but acts can begin signing up as early as 6:30. Brian has a great set-up and is often happy to accompany artists on the bongos, or join in on guitar to help newcomers feel more comfortable. After individual acts, the night often turns into an awesome open jam that everyone can get down with!

This is the perfect place for new performers to build their skills, those who want to get back in the game to get their feet wet again, and experienced acts to show off! Also offering $5 pizzas from 5pm to close and $2.25 PBR ALL THE TIME!!!

Stop in to Albany's version of Cheers and support local music!

... said Caitlin B on Aug 28, 2014 at 2:16 PM | link

Here is a website dedicated to tracking all open mics across the capital region: https://www.facebook.com/CapitalRegionOpenMic

... said Mike M on Oct 15, 2014 at 5:41 PM | link

The River Street Pub has an amazing open mic every Wednesday night hosted by Sly Fox. Many local bands come out to show off and build their skills. We welcome all styles of music! Sign ups begin at 7:30 and the open mic runs from 8-11pm. Full back line provided!

194 River St.
Troy, NY 12180

... said Dylan Storm on Dec 2, 2014 at 12:47 PM | link

Emack & Bolio Ice Cream Shop Delaware Ave, Albany- every Tuesday 7-9

Happy Capuccino - Thursday 7-9 (Jay St., Schenectady)

Eighth Step - I believe the 3rd Thursday of each month (Procter's Theatre, Schenectady.

... said Dan Bernstein on Sep 26, 2015 at 3:45 PM | link

The best open mic is Tuesday 8pm at Platinum Pub in Watervliet. You won't believe the talent there!

... said Doug on Sep 30, 2015 at 6:01 AM | link

Does anyone know of any of these ( or any others) that would be open to a 16 year old? I see some are bars so I am wondering if you have to be 18? Thanks!

... said Sera on May 24, 2016 at 10:23 AM | link

LOOKING FOR CAPITAL REGION ACOUSTIC OPEN MICS THAT ARE CLASSIC COUNTRY FRIENDLY. , ,PREFER TUES. OR THURS.

... said NEIL on Sep 20, 2017 at 1:16 PM | link

Another cool one is Sharp Shooters Open Mic Tuesday Night @ Sharpshooters !!!
****7:00 - 10:00**** Sign ups @ 6:30
* Killer PA and Lights
* Full Professional Backline
* Come play solo, bring your band, or jam with the house band !
Mike Marzullo (REDLINE), and Mike Miseno (KILL THE JUKEBOX) plus others
Always a Blast !!! Tuesday Open Mic Night

... said Mahlon on Mar 7, 2018 at 11:56 AM | link