Most people think of Miami as a bustling electric city, bursting at the seams with culture. They imagine live music coming out of almost every restaurant and a world of endless opportunities. For the young artists that call this city home, this is not necessarily true. It can feel nearly impossible to find somewhere to play when even karaoke nights are strictly for those 21+. The struggle for underage musicians is very real. But after restless searching I’ve compiled a list of five Open Mic Nights for Underage Artists in South Florida.
1. Tea & Poets
Sunset Place comes alive every Wednesday at 7pm with this open mic night. Open to singers, musicians, and poets, this tea shop gives young artists the chance to get up on stage and gain experience. Whether you’re looking to perform or simply hungry for some live music, you can enjoy the chill atmosphere complete with a sofa and an in house library. Don’t forget to check out the hip clothing and jewelry they sell! teaandpoets.com @teaandpoets
2. Arts Garage
Located in Delray Beach, SHINE! is a monthly talent showcase that takes place at Arts Garage’s Main Stage Theater. Every fourth Wednesday of the month at 8pm, Ian Caveen hosts a night full of fresh music and thoughtful poetry. Singers get the chance to perform with their house band, which includes bass, drums, and guitar. Admission is $10 online and $12 at the door.
*Bands looking to perform should call the venue prior to the event. http://artsgarage.org/
3. Luna Star Café
This comfy café was definitely voted Miami New Times’s Best Coffeehouse for a reason. Their event calendar is full of open jam’s and workshops for young artists but the fourth Saturday of the month is specifically reserved for a Youth Open Mic night. Starting at 4pm, underage musicians get the spotlight. Luna Star Café has been a dedicated contributor to the live music scene for over twenty years and, by the looks of it, will be around for many more!
4. The Fish House
The Fish House, a seafood grill by day, moonlights as a magical music spot by night. Wednesday’s they hold a jazz jam session where musicians of all ages get the chance to play with their in-house band. The second Wednesday of the month aspiring jazz vocalists get the mic. Thursday’s they hold a blues night where musicians can jam out to artists like Jimmi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan. Pro tip: After 10pm, the blues night becomes a little less strict; if you want to sing another genre, just ask the band politely and they’ll follow you.
*For artists or bands interested in playing their original music, call management for a chance to be featured in their Backroom Sessions.
5. John Martins
Sunday evenings at this Irish pub and restaurant feature an acoustic open mic night. Starting at 8pm, artists take the stage to share their love for music with other restaurant go-ers. They host a number of other fun events, like Trivia night, but the only event we guarantee is open to all ages is the Sunday open mic. johnmartins.com for more
About the Author @mxrandasun :
16 year old singer/songwriter and theatre student at Miami’s famed New World School of the Arts, Miranda Del Sol, is the daughter of a professional songwriter/producer/musician from Cuba who exposed Miranda to many different genres of music as well as the culture of being a working musician since early on. Now an aspiring young artist and songwriter in her own right, Miranda forges her way into the new generation of the music industry, honing her skills and learning to grow into her own kind of creative and working professional in the Miami music scene. You can see the young singer as part of the choir lead by ALL ACCESS IDA creative director, Liza Quin & produced by founder David Frangioni, in the ELP LEGACY Concert DVD: Pictures at an Exhibition which out now. Check out some of her music on her YouTube channel by clicking HERE.