openmikes.org

So here's the rundown from a regular at this venue:

It's in Acton, a small town an hour north of LA (just south of Palmdale). Weather permitting it will be held outside on the patio. When it is outside there is always a drummer and a majority of the time there is a bassist. When the weather is bad (too windy, too cold, too cold and windy, rainy, too hot [100+ degrees]) the open mic is held inside. Inside you may have bongo accompaniment, but other than that you are solo.

The average age of the crowd is generally 30's to late 50's. Acton itself has a "country" feel to it so, naturally, country-ish music is well-received. Classic rock style music with a country feel (some Bob Dylan, The Eagles, etc.) is well-received. Originals and covers are equally welcome. The "band" (drummer and the majority of the time a bassist) is happy to accompany but will "take five" if you want to perform solo. Everyone is plugged in, but I don't believe I've ever seen an electric guitar there (only acoustic/electric guitars). The crowd also responds positively to an eclectic mix of music from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Definitely NOT the venue for metal, punk, or anything thrashy.

There is not official "sign-up sheet". Just locate Joe and tell him you'd like to play and he will call you up when it is your turn. The BEST part about this venue (in addition to the friendly clientele) is that you get to play a MINIMUM of 4 songs during your set. That's right, a MINIMUM. How many open mics have you been to that will let you do that? Most open mics it is 5 minutes, or one song only. Not this place. Definitely check it out.

And one last thing: currently the open mic is every other Sunday from 3-7pm