by Samah Qaderi
Show off your talents or come out and enjoy one of Guelph’s many open mic venues! Scattered around the city, there are plenty of bars, community spaces, and coffee houses who regularly open their doors to poets, singers, and songwriters to share their craft of sound, song, and words. Open-mic is an opportunity to perform with your band, serenade a crowd, show off your hidden talent, or to just have fun with some friends. Whatever the reason is, check out Guelph’s open mic spots, and listen to the voices of Guelph.
Sip Club:A sick hangout spot with “global bites.” Sip Club hosts bi-weekly open mic jams every Tuesday from 4pm -2am. Feel like belting out classic tunes? Sip Club also runs weekly Sunday night karaoke. Location: 91 Wyndham St N.
Doogie’s & Pablo’s:Open mic happens every Sunday night with $3 shots and weekend drink specials. This nighttime spot is one of few venues that offer live shows four days a week. Location: 37 Wyndham St N.
The Bullring:During the Fall and Winter Semesters, this campus hangout runs weekly open mic sessions every Wednesday from 8pm-12 midnight. The Bullring, originally an arena for showing cattle, has had many different roles through the years and is now an eatery and student lounge. All ages are welcome. Location: 107 Trent Lane, the University of Guelph.
The Cornerstone:Runs open mic sessions every Monday from 8pm-11pm. The Cornerstone is a chill café with a vegetarian menu. Location: 1 Wyndham Street.
Tavern on Grange:Open stage/open mic happens most Sundays from 3:30pm -7pm. They also feature live music with no cover charge on weekends. Are you a downtown darter? Tavern on Grange runs a dart league as well. Location: 259 Grange Rd.
Silence:Every first and third Wednesday of each month is open mic at Silence Sounds. “Silence is dedicated to presenting sounds and musical practices that are diverse, challenging, sustainable and accessible through concerts, workshops and improvisation sessions. Silence serves as an incubator for practitioners and listeners alike.” – Silence
Location: 46 Essex St.
E-Bar: The Guelph Poetry Slam happens on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Anyone is welcome to perform or compete in the poetry slam. For competition details visit their website. Location: 41 Quebec Street.
About the Author: Samah Qaderi is a grade 12 co-op student at Guelph Arts Council. He currently attends Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute. He is passionate about the arts, and enjoys making music, writing poetry, and drawing. Alongside his artistic skills, Samah enjoys playing football and soccer. GAC asked Samah about his co-op experience so far, he says “it’s been fun, and I love getting organized!” Samah is a true delight to have around the office and has been helping GAC get ‘organized’ for their signature events including Doors Open Guelph happening this weekend on April 27th.