The week of May 8 brings us 10 different choices for our open mic entertainment.
We start off the week Sunday with a new open mic at the Outpost at 4962 State Route 43 in Brimfield. This new open mic is hosted by the R & D Duo and will start at 2 p.m. and go until 5:30 p.m. Weather permitting, the Outpost’s new outdoor stage will be used.
Head to downtown Kent on Sunday, May 8 for the open mic at the Euro Gyro found at 107 S. Depeyster St. The Host is Nick Fleming. The action starts at 8 p.m. This open mic is for stand-up comedy and music (comedy acts are allowed seven minutes and music gets three songs). There will be plenty of food and drink available. Always a great night of music and laughs.
On Monday, another new open mic will be taking place in the Highland Square area of Akron at The Matinee on 812 W. Market St. This open mic is hosted by Bert Stevens at will start at 7:30 p.m. with signups beginning at 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, travel a little bit to the east in Akron (1947 W. Market St.) for the open mic night at the Mercedes Tavern, hosted by John Markovich. This event begins at 7 p.m. with signups at 6:30 p.m. Great atmosphere with good music and friends to meet or make. See the Host Spotlight below.
Also on Tuesday is the 44 Sharp open mic in Berlin Lake at 92 State Route 14 in North Benton. Join your hosts Hippy and Joyce in a fun evening of music and friendships.
On Wednesday make your way back to beautiful downtown Kent at the historic Venice Café located 163 W. Erie St. for BC Hudson’s open jam night. Food is available from the Erie Street Kitchen. Bring your instruments for a great time.
On Thursday at the Divine Restaurant found at 2752 Hudson Drive in Cuyahoga Falls is an open mic hosted by Landon Kearns. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Food, spirits and music are all available. Please check this one out.
Also on Thursday, another new open mic is starting at 584 W. Tuscarawas St. in Barberton at the Kave Coffee Bar, where it is youth and novice friendly. Your hosts are Christopher Haught and Hansen Risley. The open mic starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m.
Finally, on Friday come back to downtown Kent for Alex Jackson’s open mic night at the Last Exit Bookstore located at 124 E. Main St. in Kent. The open mic starts at 8 p.m. Come early; this one fills up quickly.
Host Spotlight
Guitarist John Markovic has been playing for over 30 years. His influences include The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Hendrix, Clapton, Zappa and Segovia. While primarily a blues and rock guitarist, he also plays jazz, funk, folk, finger style and classical. You can find John around town playing solo, with The Little Steve-O Duo, with Beckie Plush, or with his full electric band Vibrogroove.
Please join our Facebook group, Portage/Summit County Area Open Mics for all the upcoming open mics in the area.