openmikes.org

IOTA

Upcoming Dates ?
Wed, Oct 15
Wed, Oct 22
Wed, Oct 29
Wed, Nov 05
Wed, Nov 12

Music Open Mic
Every Wednesday at 7pm

Hosted by Malonius

2832 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA

703-522-8340

Host Mike Maloney (Malonius) has made this the best open mic in the DC area, hands down. Mike plays a 30-minute set at 8:00pm, then the players get on. Mike's set is always worth seeing. It can be argued that he is one of, if not the most talented songwriter in DC. The artists that come to the IOTA open mic are usually top notch, have diversified styles and come from all over the country, not just DC. If you get there later than 7:00pm, you probably won't get on. But worth coming for a visit even if you don't make it in time to get on the list.

Anonymous (9/2008)

I found the place dingy and very smokey, if that bothers you. Not enough chairs for patrons either.

your name here (6/2008)

Agree with most of these comments. 2 songs nowadays, most of the time. Amazingly friendly group of performers and the crowd is usually the same. Highly recommend checking this out, and like the others said, BE THERE BY 6:55 to make sure you hit the 7:00 sign up. I'd say the caliber of open mic-ers is generally pretty high, but don't be intimidated. Everybody is friendly at Mike's Iota open mic, and it's not often you get to play the same stage / PA as the great midsize acts that Iota books other nights.

Matt Lyons (3/2008)

What kind of music is played at this open mic?

Ann (2/2008)

Well it's pretty eclectic, but mostly it is singer-songwriter acoustic guitar/electric piano stuff. I have seen everything from a 10 person jazz acapella group to african roots music, but the usual fare is folk, folk rock, and some country style stuff as well. Don't quote me on this, but I think they discourage acts from bringing a drummer, probably because of the amount of time and space it takes to set up and break down. They have an excellent sound system, and ample microphones and stands.

xarxx (3/2008)

My partner and I have played this open mic several times now. The signup is done at the same time every week (7 pm sharp) and consists of drawing numbers out of a hat. The process is unusually fair, and there is no favoritism shown. People are free to exchange their spots, as long as they let the host know. There are roughly 15 spots, including a "featured artist" that normally performs in the 4th slot. Most wednesdays, at least 15 people show up at 7 pm, so if you want to be assured of a slot, show up no later than 6:45. On the rare occasions that there are fewer than 15 people there at 7 pm, you might get a slot late in the evening (which runs until 1 am). The bar has a nice stage, and plenty of microphones, stands, and various stools and stands for instruments and players. Host Mike Maloney is super laid back; he does a few songs at the beginning to get the ball rolling, then he converts to a cooperative and willing sound man. The pace is brisk, most nights performers get 2 songs, but occasionally if things are slow for whatever reason, that is extended to 3 songs, or 15 minutes, whichever comes first. There is an interesting mix of locals and traveling performers, and the featured artists are usually very very good. There are usually at least 30-40 people in the bar (it's very small) and the atmosphere is very friendly. The crowd is very warm and supportive, even when the entertainment is less than stellar, which is not often. Considering the location, the prices are very reasonable. Service at the bar is much better than the norm for the DC area. I played this open mic about 7 years ago, and I have to say that it is run 100% better now.

xarxx (12/2007)

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