It’s no secret that live music has come back swinging. Concert venues large and small have filled their stages with national acts, excited to be back after months of closed doors – but there’s more to live entertainment than you might find at first glance, especially in the Northern Virginia area. In restaurants and dive bars across the region, you can find small shows where the community gets a chance to shine on stage, whether that comes in the form of local musicians performing on their own, or open mic events that give musical hobbyists and beginners a chance. These events can be a laid-back and fun way to experience live entertainment again and to support the musicians from right in your neighborhood.
Jammin’ Java
Jammin’ Java is a local staple in Vienna, serving as a bar, pizza restaurant, and music venue all at once. You can find a wide range of different performances here on any given night; while they’ve been host to some nationally known acts like The Lumineers and Paramore, Jammin’ Java is still a local’s place. With shows every night of the week, the performances feature small indie or folk bands, jazz musicians from the area, and occasional poetry slams or comedy nights tossed in the mix. Jammin’ Java is also host to “The Music School at Jammin’ Java,” where they can teach students music in an environment where they’re already immersed in the culture of performance. Those students can present what they’ve learned at “Open Mic Showcases” held at the venue. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
Epicure Café
Epicure Café has no shortage of community-based performances, with weekly themed nights almost every day of the week. Every Thursday (and some Mondays) they host a musical open mic, where anyone can stop in to sign up and perform up to two songs. Sundays are for jazz – on some weeks, there’s a set jazz artist going solo, while other weeks there are a “jazz jam sessions,” where audience members can join in. Other recurring events include “The Epicure Poetry Show,” a collaborative open-mic style poetry event that encourages audience participation, as well as a drag and variety show. If you’re just looking to see some local talent without the audience participation, there are musical performances and other events sprinkled throughout their schedule. 11104 Lee Hwy., Fairfax
JV’s Restaurant
JV’s has been stationed in Falls Church for 74 years, hosting local musicians in their eclectic restaurant. Instead of a bar with live music as a side note, this place is the opposite – their focus is on the music. JV’s hosts “Andy and Josh” open mics every Tuesday, as well as “Crazy After Midnight” open mics. 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
The Pocket at 7DrumCity
In the Bloomingdale area of Washington DC, 7DrumCity serves as a hub for music-lovers of all kinds. Whether they’re beginners looking to learn the ropes, hobbyists who are interested in the craft in their spare time, or just looking to listen to something new, there are lessons, jam sessions, and performances to be found here. The Pocket is the venue within 7DrumCity where community members and music students can perform in front of an audience, and you can find a local performance nearly every night of the week. Every Tuesday night of 2022, they’re hosting an open mic at the Pocket, led by local singer Ginny Hill of the DC-based band The Perfectionists. 1508 N. Capitol St. NW, Washington, DC
Busboys and Poets
This DC institution has “poets” in their name for a reason: Their history as a hub for writers and activists has been carried on for 17 years, and they continue to foster creative thinkers with their catalogue of open mic nights, spread across all nine of their locations. These community events serve as a source of entertainment, while also representing Busboys and Poets’ desire to create a space that inspires social change through community connection. The events are primarily designed as a platform for sharing poetry, but are open to musicians as well. Most of their locations have a regular weekly open mic for any type of performance, and in addition, there’s an array of themed nights ranging from jazz and verse nights at the Takoma location to an American Sign Language open mic, currently hosted online. Some of the events have been placed on hold or moved online due to COVID-19 concerns, but there’s still no shortage of events on their calendar. 4251 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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