Performing Arts❯Open Mics

Join us every Monday from 6:30–10 pm at The Hostel Cafe for our weekly Open Mic Night, a cozy, community-focused space where local and traveling musicians share original songs, covers, and acoustic sets. Enjoy live music, good vibes, and cafe drinks while discovering new talent and supporting our featured performers. If you‘re looking for open mic music events in Portland or a friendly spot to play, The Hostel Cafe is the place to be every Monday night. This is a free event, but we encourage you to tip our featured performers! 10/19 (Sat): Ross Island Ramblers featuring Richard Melling (lead guitar and songwriter), Karen McCracken (guitar and clawhammer banjo), the hot fiddle of Olivia Horgan, melodic mandolin of Rollie Champe and the rock-solid bass of Michelle Traver.

For over two decades, Railroad Earth has captivated audiences with gleefully unpredictable live shows and eloquent and elevated studio output. The group introduced its signature sound on 2001’s The Black Bear Sessions. Between selling out hallowed venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO, they’ve been responsible for launching signature festivals Hangtown Music Festival in Placerville, CA and Hillberry: The Harvest Moon Festival in Eureka Springs, AR. Sought after by legends, the John Denver Estate tapped them to put lyrics penned by the late John Denver to music on the 2019 vinyl EP, Railroad Earth: The John Denver Letters. Beyond tallying tens of millions of streams, the collective has earned widespread critical acclaim from David Fricke of Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, Glide Magazine, and NPR, who assured, “Well-versed in rambling around, as you might expect from a band named after a Jack Kerouac poem, the New Jersey-built jam-grass engine Railroad Earth has let no moss grow under its rustic wheels.”

Nick Dumas leads on mandolin and vocals, bringing the soulful foundation he learned from his dobro-playing grandfather in Washington State, now living in Wisconsin. Nick is a former member of Grammy-nominated Special Consensus and a three-time IBMA award winner. Nick has performed across the globe and recently released his solo album "Details" on Nashville's Skyline Records. Nick now has three new singles released on Skyline Records from a soon-to-come project, all of which have made it to #1 on the bluegrass airplay charts. When not touring with the trio or his own band, "Nick Dumas and Branchline," Nick teaches mandolin lessons at home and with The Fiddler's Farm Band in WI. He also co-founded the well-known Northwest bands "Northern Departure" and "North Country Bluegrass".

Chris Luquette showcases his virtuosic guitar work alongside vocals, drawing from his 11 years with the celebrated Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen. This multi-instrumentalist has shared stages with Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, and The Steep Canyon Rangers, earning multiple IBMA awards and a Grammy nomination along the way. Originally from Seattle's vibrant music scene and now based in New York City, Chris brings an eclectic musical palette that spans from traditional bluegrass to world music influences. Chris is a co-founder of Northern Departure along with Nick.

Andrew Knapp anchors the trio with his exceptional bass playing and rich vocals. He is one of the premier bassists to come out of the Pacific Northwest. Andrew can also be seen with Seattle-based bluegrass band The Warren G. Hardings, as well as Nick Dumas and Branchline. As a classically trained jazz bassist, he has performed with nationally recognized artists such as Kenny Garrett and Terence Blanchard, toured Europe and Brazil, and played on ships for Carnival Cruise Lines. Also, a graduate of the Whitworth University Jazz program. He is one of the best in the business.

Super-Deluxe Fiddle, Banjo, and Song

Through twenty years and a couple of thousand shows together in bands such as The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Lonesome Ace Stringband, John Showman and Chris Coole have developed a deep and instinctual musical bond. Their music lurks in a truly unique space, somewhere on the outskirts of old-time, bluegrass, and folk. The songs of John Hartford, Hank Williams, Dock Boggs, and The Band share space with the fiddle tunes of Eck Robertson and Ed Haley. The duo's original songs and tunes take in all these vistas and paint something both personal and timely.

They have performed across North America and Europe at festivals such as Merlefest, Rockygrass, Greyfox, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Mariposa, Wintergrass, The Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, and The Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum. In addition to the five Lonesome Ace albums, John and Chris have released two duo albums - " Afield" a collection of old-time fiddle tunes, and "Much Further Out than Inevitable - A Tribute to Some Music of John Hartford."

"Powerful musicians, playing and singing some powerful music" - Bluegrass Unlimited

"Danceable, poppy, and soulful, it's old-time that's modern and timeless, both" - Bluegrass Situation

(Roddy Campbell, Penguin Eggs Magazine)

The next Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic features Raúl Sánchez, 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Art at the Cave. Admission is a suggested donation of $5, but no one will be turned away. Sánchez, Redmond’s poet laureate from 2019-2021, is the author of three poetry collections, including “When We Were Water.” Guests are also invited to read their own original poetry. Learn more at printedmattervancouver.com.

What is a StorySLAM? The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5‑minute story on the night’s theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show. Tonight’s Theme HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Prepare a five-minute story about embracing every aspect of the holiday season. From the chaos of family gatherings, an unexpected

Formed by musicians with a passion for the Northwest outdoors, Jawbone Flats takes its name from the ghost town of the same name nestled deep in the Opal Creek Wilderness of Oregon. Since 2008 JBF has traveled throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Northern California playing an eclectic blend of original and cover songs drawing from the influences of bluegrass, country, alternative country, blues, and rock music led by five alternating lead singers backed by lush harmonies. Interlocking melodies from B-bender Telecaster and acoustic guitars, mandolin, harmonica, and pedal steel guitar are woven into the solid rhythmic fabric of fretless bass and drums to produce a wonderfully entertaining, irresistibly danceable, and downright “flatifying” sound.

Poetry Open Mic and Slam in Portland, Oregon. It is the mission of Slamlandia to provide an open mic and poetry slam that is creative, fun, and welcoming to all literary communities in Portland. They strive towards a safer space for poets to share work, witness others, and participate in the community.

Here is an opportunity to share or listen to one page of work in progress from talented writers from everywhere. Come with a single page of work and sign up to read – or come to listen and prepare to be inspired.

Our host is the one and only, Emme Lund. The featured reader for November is H.G. Dierdorff.

Slamlandia is a poetry open mic and slam that meets every month at Literary Arts, on the third Thursday. This mic provides a creative, fun, and welcoming space for all literary communities in Portland. We encourage poets new and old to come share their work. We strive towards a safe space for poets to read their own poetry, witness others, and participate in community.

Hosted by Julia Gaskill. November’s featured poet will be announced soon.

Artichoke Community Music class hosted by Megan Cronin, $175 for seven sessions, drop-ins $30 per session. This class will be held at Taborspace, an off-site location. This class is for beginner-ish and intermediate violin and fiddle players who want a chance to play their favorite songs with others in a supportive setting. At the start of this series the instructor will present 10 tunes in the genres of folk, jazz, bluegrass, Irish, blues, pop and/or classical. Students will vote in three of these tunes to work on over the course of the term. Financial Hardship Discount Available Wondering if you are at the right aptitude for this class? If you can work through some or most of the Suzuki Violin Book One, then you will be totally fine in this class (just google "Suzuki Violin Book One PDF" to check it out). You’re welcome to pay the instructor directly at your first class to avoid service fees. Contact Megan via email when you register for a drop-in date, if you plan to pay in-person or if you have any other questions about the class. More information & registration: megancroninmusic.com/violin-fiddle-democracy Website: https://www.megancroninmusic.com/ Feel free to contact the instructor for more information: musiclessonsbymegan(*at*)gmail.com Refund Policy: Refunds up to 7 days before event

Music in the country style, including western & western swing, cowboy & country blues, country folk, bluegrass, rockabilly, hillbilly, Americana, and honky tonk. hosted by Robert Parish, Wayne and Kathy Johnson, Wayne Selzer, Mary Rondthaler, and Gary Baysinger. 1st Saturday - Robert Parish along with son Graham play sets featuring particular artists as well as sets with a variety of artist. 2nd Saturday, Wayne and Kathy - Variety of country, western, western swing, country folk, country blues, bluegrass, rockabilly and Americana. 3rd Saturday - Will Selzer - Blends all types & styles of country music from 50+ years, rooted in mid-20th century, men and women artists equally. The goal is to entertain our listeners and to have fun. 4th Saturday - Mary - Bringing a musician’s ear to the collective with a focus on older country and Western swing from the ‘30s to the ‘70s, always with a good dose of women artists. 5th Saturday - Gary - Countrypolitan Blues - A mix of eastern philosophy and western swing; the yin, the yang, and the do-si-do. Past shows available on the program page at https://kboo.fm/program/swing-n-country.

Weekend matinees play from 1-3 pm, free, all ages. Oct 3 (Sat): Blue Pine - Americana/alt-country rock band Oct 4 (Sun): Tuba Django - playing in the style of Django Reinhardt with a twist of Tuba! Oct 10 (Sat): Thunder Ridge - straight-ahead bluegrass Oct 11 (Sun): Ashley Seaton & the TK Swing All-Stars - Portland’s hottest jazz ensemble Oct 17 (Sat): Marilee Hord‘s Bluegrass Matinee (subbing for Josh Cole) - good, old-fashioned bluegrass Oct 18 (Sun): Kung Pao Chickens - the finest in Django-esque Roma jazz Oct 24 (Sat): Filthy Skillets (bluegrass matinee) - putting their own twist on traditional bluegrass Oct 25 (Sun): Sleepy Lagoon - Pete Krebs, Doug Sammons (Midnight Serenaders) playing 20s/30s jazz, Hawaiian, and exotica with vocal harmonies Oct 31 (Sat): The Sixties (Frank "Buzz Holland" Goodman & Joe Chiusano) - laying down the grooves of that golden era Nov 1 (Sun): Ashley Seaton & the TK Swing All-Stars - Portland’s hottest jazz ensemble Nov 7 (Sat): Blue Pine - Americana/alt-country rock band Nov 8 (Sun): Sweet Preserves - traditional acoustic New Orleans jazz Nov 15 (Sun): Kung Pao Chickens - the finest in Django-esque Roma jazz Nov 21 (Sat): Josh Cole‘s Bluegrass Matinee - good, old-fashioned bluegrass

Comedy: Dia de los Muertos Open Mic at Kilo D'Cofi.

Come join us every Sunday from 8pm-Midnight for karaoke. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time, the stage is yours!

Every Tuesday, something pretty special happens at Tomorrow's Verse Taproom. Musicians pull up a chair, listeners grab a pint, and for a couple of hours the room turns into the kind of community space that's getting harder and harder to find. No stage, no spotlight, no barriers—just people sharing songs, stories, and a love of live music.

Whether you play, listen, or just enjoy being around good people, Bluegrass and Brews is a place to connect. Discover your new favorite musician, catch up with neighbors, and support a group of local pickers who keep traditional music alive, one tune at a time.

Pull up a chair. Order a pint. Stay awhile. The music's better when the room (or courtyard) is full.

Show up early to sign up! Bring your own instrument. House guitar and mic provided.

WonderLove is a burgeoning food cart pod with a growing number of carts, united by an impressive vision for eating, imbibing and entertaining. Come for the meal and stay for the tri-level bar and TV lounge.

Free. All ages.

@the_lowlow_show presents: Sunday Songwriter Revival ❤️‍🔥 . Sunday, June 5th at 7 pm PST @thewaypost presents four fantastic artists! . We’re doing this round style which is one of my favs. All the artists will take turns sharing a song at a time & the story behind it 📖 ....

Led by Joe Offer, new Zoom link posted every week, just before doors open: https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=168014&messages=37.

Monthly on every first Tuesday

We want your BOLD stories!

Come to our monthly open mic to share your latest work in progress or previously published piece. We welcome short stories, personal essays, poetry, slam, and other spoken word art forms.

10% off for performers!

BOLD is a safe place. We strive to uplift stories by and about people from underrepresented and diverse communities. We do not tolerate hate speech of any kind.

See you there!

Join an open, welcoming night of live music. Musicians of all levels and styles are invited — this is a fun-loving, respectful space for anyone who wants to play, sing, or just listen. No cover charge. There is a full backline and a gorgeous stage with professional lights and sound, ready for solo acts, small groups, and unusual arrangements alike — if you can dream it up, The Barrel Room can probably make it work.

Sign-ups start at 5 p.m.; performances start at 5:30.

No cover charge — just good vibes, great music, and an amazing crowd to cheer you on. Grab your friends, sip on your favorite drinks, and enjoy a night of unforgettable performances.

Get ready to shine.

21+ with valid ID

Toolbox Gallery ishonored to welcome the highly regarded Milwaukie Poetry Series for its biannual invited poet readings followed by an open mic.

Some of the best bands start with a plan. Others start with a few musicians, a couple of beers, and a shared love of bluegrass.

Meadowlark String Band was born right here at Tomorrow’s Verse Taproom, where its members first connected through our weekly Bluegrass & Brews jam. What began as Tuesday night pickin’ sessions grew into a band built on musical chemistry, friendship, and a love for making music together.

Rooted in the communal spirit of bluegrass, Meadowlark String Band is a perfect example of what happens when musicians come together, share a few tunes, and let the music take them somewhere new.

From our weekly jam to the Tomorrow’s Verse stage, we couldn't be happier to see this band take flight!

$5 cover

Tap That Open Mic: Comedy Night is here. Hosted by Umi Om and TapTap, this is your sign to laugh louder, eat better, and vibe harder.

Comedians get 7–10 minutes to bring the heat. Whether you’re testing new jokes or just pulling up for a good time, this open-mic night is for you.

Good food. Big laughs. Real community. Pull up, tap the mic, and make it a night.

Join us Tuesday from 7:30-11PM. All ages until 9PM. Sign-ups begin at 7:00, music starts at 7:30PM. $5-10 suggested donation at the door.

This open mic was created to keep continuity for the Atlantis Underground community as the program takes a hiatus. We hope to honor the tradition that has been laid down, as well as bring a fresh perspective to the night.

Hosted by Mo Schulte and Kyle J. Glenn

**Atlantis Lounge is All Ages until 9:00 PM, at that time any minors will be asked to leave the space. Thanks for your understanding!

About a month ago, we lost our beloved fellow musician Jere Hudson. Jere was a true light in every gathering, and he will be sorely missed. We are planning a jam in his honor, where we will play some of his favorite tunes. Cajun, old-time, bluegrass, folk, Irish: anything goes. All are welcome. Also please note that we need to buy any alcohol at the venue.

November Saturdays are a good reason to slow down and make time for wine and live music. Join us for Saturday Música with Dylan Crawford, a Lincoln City artist whose sound brings together folk, funk, jazz, bluegrass, soul, blues, and reggae.

Dylan performs along the Oregon coast and throughout the surrounding area, both as a solo artist and with his project Massive Delicious. With acoustic guitar, vocals, and an occasional stomp-pad rhythm, his solo sets include original songs, covers, and traditional standards.

Make plans to meet friends at the winery, share a bottle, and enjoy an afternoon of music on the hill.

Nu-Glitter is a semimonthly Queer Comedy Open Mic. Comedians get 3-4 minutes (depending on demand). All are welcome, but hate speech or punching down is not allowed. Non-comedian audience encouraged.

This free open mic, hosted by Katy Ohsiek (Foamboy), is only for teens and young adults. Show at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30). Come share your music, poetry, comedy, or stories with a supportive audience! Soloists and groups are welcome. Audience is open to all! Questions? Email katyandthenullsets(*at*)gmail.com Donations are appreciated to fund this event!

Join us at Northwest Library on Pettygrove for an evening of poetry. Every month co-hosts Sherri Levine and Dale Champlin will bring you two or three featured poets, followed by an ever-popular open mic. Readers include celebrated poets as well as poets from the Portland poetry community and the library vicinity. Held on the fourth Wednesday of the month all year round!

All performances 6-8 pm (unless otherwise extended), free, 21+ Oct 20 (Tue): The Pagan Jug Band - a delightful mix of jug, blues, country, bluegrass and hokum Oct 21 (Wed): The Get Down Funk Collective [extended to 9 pm] - infectious blend of funk, soul, R&B, and jazz Oct 23 (Fri): Michelle Alany & The Mystics - soulful interpretations of traditional and original sephardic, balkan, and israeli songs infused with her tasty Austin-blues stylings Oct 24 (Sat): Bad Assets [extended to 9 pm] - rowdy country-rock with blazing Telecaster guitar Oct 25 (Sun): Freak Mountain Ramblers - off-beat, edgy, weird, wonderful Oct 26 (Mon): Portland Country Underground - a bunch of old friends hanging out and playing roots and country music they love. Oct 27 (Tue): Jackstraw - bluegrass, honky-tonk, and rock ‘n roll Oct 28 (Wed): Rhapsody in Red [extended to 9 pm] - excellent female-fronted Grateful Dead cover band Oct 29 (Thu): Lewi Longmire & The Lookouts - Lewi Longmire (guitar) and Sydney Nash (bass) will be bringing in Micah Kassell (drums- Scott Law Band) and perhaps other guests Oct 30 (Fri): Supernatural Beavers - rock ‘n‘ roll, blues, psych, and outlaw country Oct 31 (Sat): The Electric Stomp - solidly earthy Americana and folk-rock with a touch of island breeze Nov 1 (Sun): An Evening of Jimmy Boyer Music [extended to 10 pm] Nov 2 (Mon): The Waysiders - a new brand of classic country all their own Nov 3 (Tue): Lost Creek Bluegrass Band - two parts traditional bluegrass, one part old-time fiddle tunes, and a splash of honkytonk Nov 4 (Wed): QuEasy Gumbo [extended to 9 pm] - the Quick and Easy Boys with Steve Kerin Nov 5 (Thu): Lewi Longmire & The Left Coast Roasters - rowdy roots rock and roll with a classic heart! Nov 6 (Fri): The Family Band - country-fried and southern roots-rock Nov 7 (Sat): The Resolectrics - rock & soul power trio Nov 8 (Sun): Freak Mountain Ramblers - off-beat, edgy, weird, wonderful

Each month, embark on a journey where you showcase your talents. Whether you are a singer/songwriter, a poet, or a solo instrumentalist, here's your opportunity to shine on the stage. Feel free to start a jam as well. The stage is yours.

Get ready to take the stage, cheer on local creatives, and soak up an unforgettable evening of art, music, poetry, and community. The space into a vibrant hub of expression with a monthly Open Mic Night—and you’re invited. Whether you’re an experienced performer or just itching to share something new, the mic is yours. Singers, songwriters, poets, instrumentalists, comedians, storytellers, and more—everyone is welcome to sign up for a chance to shine. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 p.m., and the show kicks off around 6:30 p.m. with short (~10 min) performance slots.

Hosted by Joshua Bennett. All ages, all abilities welcome—bring friends, family, and neighbors.

Whether you’re strumming your guitar, reciting your latest poem, sharing a story, or simply enjoying the show from the crowd, this night is about connection, performance, and inspiration.

Sign up at 6pm. Music from 7 - 9pm

This monthly reading series is intended to prioritize the safety, creativity, and stories of Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color.

Come listen to our featured readers, or sign up to share your work in our open mic. Readings will be followed by a short community discussion. Hosted by Kyle Yoshioka and Jessica Meza-Torres. The featured reader for November will be announced soon.

This event is open to everyone, but only people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color will be invited to read. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Meza-Torres at [email protected] or Kyle Yoshioka at [email protected].

The first Friday of every month, the teens take over Youth Music Project!

Are you a musician between the ages of 13 and 18? Join us for Teen Open Mic nights! Hosted by our amazing band of interns, open mics are the place to hone your performance skills. Rock out with in-house sound engineering, state-of-the art lighting, and a full back line of instruments. Musicians of all levels are invited to participate!

Don’t have a song to share? Join our supportive audience! Teen Open Mic is always free to attend and all ages.

Doors at 6:15 p.m. | Performances at 6:30 p.m.

Rando is a singer/songwriter who plays acoustic folk music around Portland, OR. They moved here in 2021 after 10 years of busking through the south and midwest with their dog, Bandit. Community and love are at the center of their ethos, and their lyrics are a vulnerable exposition of their heart.

Modern Old-Time Music for the Bluegrass and Folksong Jamboree

Monday Mic Night is an open mic event. Bring whatever you’d like to share—music, poetry, a soliloquy, a painting, even a magic trick. All ages and talent levels are welcome. Non-performing audience members are welcome too.

This event is free, all ages, and open to the public.

Date: Monday, November 9
Time: 7-9pm (Signups start at 6:30pm)
Location: Sherwood Center for the Arts, Maera Boughey Theatre
22689 SW Pine Street, Sherwood OR 97140

More information at our website: Monday Mic Night | Sherwood Center for the Arts

Welcome to Kalama on a String! This group is dedicated to keeping our community connected through the love of live bluegrass and acoustic jams in Kalama, WA. Whether you’re a musician or a fan, stay updated on local gatherings, share event details, and celebrate the music that brings us together! Mountain Timber Market will have tables and chairs set up on the east side, lower level, for community seating.

Musicians will need to bring their own chair to set up and be sure not to block any retailers’ entrances or walkways. Cars may pull up on the curb in the south parking lot for loading and unloading only. Please move your vehicle once finished to keep the area clear.

Please be mindful of the retail merchants, as we will be guests in the Market.

Bring your favorite tunes, and we are looking forward to seeing y’all.

Sign-ups 6:30PM Mic w/ feature 7:00PM

$5 suggested donation/ AF (Give As You're Able, Friends!)
Paypal: @queerpdxpressions

Hosted by Given @givenqdaviswrites with a featured poet every month✨️

Come sign up and check out new music in the community! La Playa Open Mic is hosted by Road Trip Records

1pm-4pm Free Admission 21+

Join us every Monday from 6:30–10 PM at The Hostel Cafe for our weekly Open Mic Night, a cozy, community-focused space where local and traveling musicians share original songs, covers, and acoustic sets. Enjoy live music, good vibes, and cafe drinks while discovering new talent and supporting our featured performers. If you're looking for open mic music events in Portland or a friendly spot to play, The Hostel Cafe is the place to be every Monday night. This is a free event, but we encourage you to tip our featured performers!

Karaoke every Wednesday at 14 Acres. No cover, no reservation, no judgment. Wine makes everyone a better singer.

Open Mic Night at Waltz!

If you have a talent to showcase, we invite you to join us! Come down for a pint and share your gifts!

The First Friday of every month from 6-8pm