Open Mic Nights
Want to play music, not just listen? There are several open mics and jams each week.
Open mic, jam, showcase — each is a different name for the same thing — an event created so members of the public can share their music. Several venues and musicians host an open mic in St. Augustine each week, welcoming all to their stages and microphones.
Open mics are popular in St. Augustine, and each one can attract several regulars, while some musicians like to participate in several open mics. Similarly, loyal audiences may attend because they like a particular host and regular performers, or because they enjoy the inevitable musical surprises. Some open mics appeal to singer/songwriters, others to those who play cover songs in many genres. There are a few things found at every open mic: a sign-up sheet, microphones, cords and speakers, and a host or band to start things off, wrangle the musicians, introduce the acts, and encourage applause. It's helpful if the host can also provide a bit of musical assistance if needed.
Jams have a growing popularity in town. During a jam, all participants are on stage, and each takes a lead during their turn or when the spirit moves them. There may be one microphone or no microphone, and most are acoustic. The quintessential St. Augustine jam takes place every Saturday morning at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmer's Market. In the winter, there may be over 30 musicians on "stage" under the tent on the front porch. That jam and the one on Thursdays at Marina Munch attract folks who play covers and originals largely in the Americana, folk, country, and rock genres. Other jams focus on jazz, and some focus on folk and bluegrass.
Every open mic and jam in town is friendly to folks new to the area, and several musicians who now have regular bookings at local venues got their start in St. Augustine at an open mic.
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