Monday's Open Mic Night Attracting Musicians

Usually it’s the weekends that are renowned for live music, but that has not stopped the in Palm Harbor from putting on an open mic night on Mondays. It seems the beer joint was justified in its decision, judging by the number of musicians who turn up to play Monday night.

The event is hosted by Michael Nichols, a veteran musician who has been playing guitar ever since he was twelve years-old. Nichols has hosted many open mics in the past and he feels this latest at the House of Beer has real potential.

“For one thing it’s indoors so we’re never going to get rained out,” he pointed out.

The House of Beer is not the largest venue in the area, but the room is very open so it has a very intimate and connected feel. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. The stage is backlit by rows of refrigerators filled with beer.

With a modest stage area, this is not a venue for full bands and drum kits according to Nichols. There simply is not enough room. Instead, Nichols is promoting Monday nights as a singer/songwriter night, though it is not limited to original music. 

“We’re happy for people to play all kinds of music, but we definitely encourage original music,” says Nichols. 

And you do not have to be musically minded to step up to the microphone at the House of Beer. Nichols says he would be delighted to get other performers showing up for the open mic night.

“We’d also love to get some comedians coming out, poets as well,” Nichols says.

This past Monday saw guitarist Jeremiah Hutchison take the stage and treat the audience to some traditional slide guitar playing. It is a style that is not all that common nowadays and the audience seemed to appreciate the variety.

Also playing on Monday night was Adam Greenberg, a Palm Harbor resident who described himself as something of a novice, not that you would know it from hearing him play. Greenberg performed some rock covers with a few humorous lyric changes and appeared perfectly comfortable behind the microphone.

Off stage, the performers seemed eager to talk to one another. According to Nichols, that is one the best aspects of an open mic night.

“It’s a great way to network and meet other musicians,” he says.

Nichols hopes that the good early response will continue, and as word of mouth spreads more and more people will turn out each week.

“I know lots of musicians so hopefully this will build up in time,” says Nichols.

The House of Beer open mic night takes place every Monday at 7 p.m. Performers sign up that evening and are allocated spots on a first come first served basis.