3rd Thursdays @ 3rd Street Open Mic

Name: 3rd Thursdays @ 3rd Street Open Mic
Start: 2025-08-21T19:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-08-21T21:00:00-04:00
Location: 305 Mountain Ave SW, Roanoke, VA, United States, Virginia 24016

Schedule

Thu Aug 21 2025 at 07:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

305 Mountain Ave SW, Roanoke, VA, United States, Virginia 24016 | Roanoke, VA

The 3rd Thursday Open Mic Series is back! Host Aspen Black wants to make the open mic experience available to all performers! Here’s how it works:
* This is primarily an acoustic-style open mic for solos, duos, and very small group acts. All ages and levels of playing are welcome, and we encourage both originals and covers. All genres and styles of songs are welcome but please refrain from explicit lyrics.
* Doors open around 6:45 and music goes from 7-9. Walk-in sign ups are preferred, first come first served, starting at 6:45. Early sign-ups will be taken from 4 to 6:30pm on the day of each open mic by contacting Aspen Black at [email protected], first come first served. No more than six spots will be opened for early sign-up. After six spots are filled, sign up for the remaining spots is in-person only and will stay open until filled.
* Each person or act gets two 3-5 minute songs in the main round. If there is time at the end of the main round, performers will be randomly drawn, from those present, to play one additional song each until time is up.
* Performers should plan to come onstage quickly and "plug and play", or if you don't have a pickup, "mic your instrument & play". We will mix/adjust your sound as you go. Please quietly tune in the back or sides of the room during the song right before your time slot and have all of your music and any other performance items in hand so you are ready to step on stage when called.
* To maximize time for everyone, please take no more than 2 minutes per act to get on stage and begin your first song.
We provide a PA with two vocal mics, two DI's, two 1/4" instrument cables, one instrument mic, a house keyboard with one 1/4" cable, one vocal mic by the keyboard, a house guitar, a small bass amp and one music stand.
* We discourage playing to pre-recorded tracks, as this is a live music opportunity. However, if you must use tracks, each track should be something you created yourself - no karaoke or singing along to other people's recordings - and you must provide your own player that will plug in via 1/4" cable.
* If you play electric guitar or bass through an amp, please bring your own amp and 1/4" cable and plug it in onstage before 7pm. Please remember it's a small venue and a little volume goes a long way. Let Aspen guide you to ensure vocals and guitar are balanced.
* Due to time restrictions, please don't bring your drum kit. A snare or a tom might work.
* If you have additional questions about whether your instrument or equipment is compatible with our system, please contact Aspen Black at [email protected] no later than 24 hours before the Open Mic you plan to attend. We will try to work with you but cannot not guarantee accommodations for all personal equipment.
* Our 3rd St. Coffeehouse open mic has a reputation for being welcoming, supportive, and encouraging to all. Please be part of that wonderful and uplifting environment by being there for as much of the two hours as you can and supporting the other performers with your warm smiles and applause. This helps all of us feel more comfortable expressing ourselves through music.
* We offer, for donation: coffee, tea, sodas, bottled water, snacks, and occasionally special food and drink items. We do not serve alcohol nor allow smoking in the facility.
* We pass the hat for donations to help offset the cost of heat and a/c, lights, equipment, use of the space, etc. If you can, please bring a couple bucks and get some food or drinks or put a little in the hat to help us keep this going for you and all involved.
* All of us running the events at 3rd Street Coffeehouse are volunteers and give of our time and efforts simply to share the love of music in Roanoke. We expect / require open mic attendees to treat everyone with respect. This includes not speaking loudly when others are playing and encouraging less experienced performers with applause.
Now in our 36th year, 3rd Street Coffeehouse is a non-profit listening room run by volunteers and never has a cover charge. We ask that you support the Coffeehouse by attending our other events also. We thank you in advance!