We’ve all dreamt about becoming a rock star. Standing up on stage with millions of screaming fans in front of us all while playing songs that we wrote about life, love and the pursuit of fame.
Unfortunately, the chances of becoming a famous musician like that have the same odds as winning that huge Powerball jackpot. Which, by the way, we didn’t win, and that’s why we’re still going to work every day.
But you don’t have to be a rock star to play music around here. In addition to tons of great local bands that make up Concord’s happening music scene, many of the bars and restaurants in Concord (and Bow) have nights where just about anyone can play or sing in front of an audience.
Just about every night of the week you’ll be able to find a place that has either open mic or karaoke and sometimes both – just not at the same place.
And just an FYI, all of the open mic and karaoke nights you’re about to read about are free, and it’s always nice to participate in something free.
So without spending too much time jabbering on, we’re going to break it down for you by venue. And who knows, maybe we’ll catch your performance one of these nights.
Area 23
One of the newer bars to the Concord scene started hosting an open mic night every Wednesday in October, beginning at 7 and running till close.
But this isn’t your typical open mic where people get up with their guitar and play a catchy tune. Sure, that does happen, but you’ll also encounter storytelling, jam sessions and sing-alongs. Area 23 also provides an acoustic guitar, bongos and a ukulele to use.
True Brew
Is well known for their live music nights, but they have also run an open mic night on Thursdays for many years.
But they’re changing things up in order to keep all the music original. True Brew will now be hosting a round table event where approved musicians will play for about 45 minutes, starting at 8:30 p.m.
There will be anywhere from three to five slots each Thursday, so you can still go in and sign up for that evening or a future week, you’ve just got to talk to Brad Schnieder, the guy who runs it.
Eagles Club
Joe Messineo, who’s kind of a fixture on the Concord open mic circuit, recently began hosting a monthly open mic night on a Friday at the Eagles Club and got double-digit sign-ups at the January night. The next two dates will be Feb. 5 and March 4, and musicians will get the chance to play anywhere from two to four songs.
Penuche’s
The Nooch has been holding an open mic night on Sundays for more than a decade, so it’s got to be popular to keep it going that long.
It’s all acoustic, and those wishing to play an instrument should bring their own, although there is a backup bassist available.
Sign-ups start at 9 p.m. with the first act going on at 10 p.m.
Szechuan Gardens
It’s been more than two decades since Szechuan Gardens began hosting karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights, and as you can probably guess, it’s pretty popular.
But when people are belting out their favorite pop song, dance music fills the air and people are out of their seats on the dance floor.
And if you can believe it, there are still people coming through the door on karaoke nights that were singing when they first started 22 years ago.
Karaoke begins at 9 p.m. both nights and goes till 1 a.m.
The Draft
Every Wednesday at 8 p.m., the Draft has 10 slots for open mic, and they usually fill up pretty quick.
And they’ve seen all kinds of performances, from reggae to a capella to an 11-year-old girl playing her ukulele.
There is a guitar to use, but you can bring your own or your drums – really whatever you’re in the mood to set your musical scene.
Tandy’s Top Shelf
The Eagle Square establishment does open mic every Tuesday from 8 to 11 p.m. and karaoke on Wednesdays, running from 8 p.m. to midnight.
It all started about four years ago when they added a karaoke night, and before long a couple of the bartenders wanted time to play their guitar and sing. So within a year Tandy’s added an open mic night, and both are quite popular.
You have to sign up for open mic and you can usually play two to three songs depending on how many people also want to perform. And as far as karaoke goes, if no one else is signing up, you can sing all night long.
Beijing & Tokyo
For the last few years, every Friday and Saturday night, from 9 p.m. to close, the South Main Street restaurant has been hosting karaoke for any and all to take part in.
They used to offer open mic nights, but it didn’t do very well, so they decided to switch gears and jump on the karaoke train.
It’s usually quite a popular thing, and has even gotten some professional musicians performing at the Cap Center to grab the microphone for a song or two.
Not too shabby.
