Take a Turn or Pull Up a Chair: A Guide to Everett's Open Mics
Story by Karen Erickson.
As someone who enjoys open mics — and playing guitar and singing myself — I thought I’d share some places where you can enjoy these community evenings right here in Everett.
You never quite know what you’ll hear: a familiar song, something someone just wrote, a poem that makes you pause or a story that makes you laugh. You might see a seasoned performer or someone gathering the courage to step up for the first time.
At an open mic, people sign up to share a short performance. Depending on the venue, that might include music, poetry, comedy or spoken word. Each evening has its own personality, and that’s part of the fun.
What I appreciate most is the community. People come to share something of themselves and encourage one another. You don’t have to perform to belong. Listening and applauding makes you part of the evening, too.
You never quite know what you’ll hear — a familiar song, something brand new, or a first-timer finding their courage.
A FEW TIPS BEFORE YOU TAKE A TURN
1. Before deciding to perform, visit as a listener. Settle in, enjoy what others share and see whether it’s somewhere you’d feel comfortable taking a turn. Each venue has its own guidelines for signup, performance length, equipment, and group size. Visiting first helps you learn how the evening works.
2. Some open mics offer online signup; others take names when you arrive. Spaces may be limited, so arriving later doesn’t guarantee a turn. Hosts want to welcome performers, but they have schedules and closing hours to respect.
3. Come prepared. Have your instrument tuned and ready and let the host know your needs beforehand. Duos or small groups may be welcome, but check first. Bringing more people on stage takes up additional space, equipment, and setup time. Work within what the venue offers without expecting special treatment, and respect your allotted time.
4. Plan to stay for the whole evening when you can. Others listened to you; those performing later appreciate an audience, too. You may have a chance to mention an upcoming show or project, but remember that the evening belongs to everyone.
Duos and small groups are often welcome — just check with the host first.
5. Quiet conversation is fine. Just keep it low enough that it doesn’t carry to the stage or distract those listening. Keep your cell phone muted, too, even if you’re just looking at it. Someone up there may be performing for the first time. Their knees could be shaking even if you can’t see it. Your attention and encouragement can mean more than you realize.
6. Support the establishment that makes the open mic possible. Order something to eat or drink and treat the space and staff with consideration. Hosting live performances comes with a cost, and your purchases help keep these gatherings going.
7. Check with each venue for current times, signup instructions, and guidelines before heading out.
The Everett Poetry Night crew at The Sisters Restaurant — spoken word every Monday since 2006.
WHERE TO TAKE A TURN — OR PULL UP A CHAIR
The Ten-01 Pub · 1001 Hewitt Ave.
Sundays and Tuesdays, 6–9 p.m. Hosted by Bruce Govan. Sunday signups begin at 5:30 p.m.
Everett Poetry Night at The Sisters Restaurant · 2804 Grand Ave.
Mondays, 5–8 p.m. Open mic 5:45–7:15 p.m., followed by a featured poet 7:15–7:45 p.m. Spoken word since 2006.
Chuckwagon Inn / Patty’s Eggnest · 6720 Evergreen Way
Mondays, 6:15–9 p.m. Acoustic open mic hosted by Ryan Waggoner.
Strange Ways Bar & Stage · 2610 Colby Ave.
Poetry every Tuesday; music every other Thursday, both approximately 7–9 p.m. Sign up when you arrive. Contact the venue for Thursday dates.
Listening and applauding makes you part of the evening, too.
El Sid at APEX Everett · 1611 Everett Ave., second floor
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Musicians, comics and poets welcome. Online signup through Everett Music Initiative.
Lucky Dime — Lucky Devil Open Mic · 1618 Hewitt Ave.
First and third Wednesdays; signups at 7 p.m. Hosted by Micah Glassey. Music, poetry, comedy, spoken word, and other creative performances welcome. Performers receive 2–3 songs or 5–10 minutes, depending on signups.
Port Gardner Bay Winery · 3006 Rucker Ave.
Thursdays, 6–9 p.m. Signups begin at 4:30 p.m.
Whether you bring a guitar, a poem or simply yourself, come ready to listen and enjoy an evening with your neighbors. Know of another open mic in Everett that I’ve missed? Please let me know!
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Karen Erickson can be found volunteering with many organizations in Everett and throughout Snohomish County. She enjoys sharing stories of the people and places that bring communities together. She can also be found at local open mics — sometimes in the audience and sometimes at the microphone.