Many popular local artists got their start at the area Open Mics and Open Stages. When someone asks us how to get a gig in Peoria, joining other musicians at one of those is the most important piece of advice I give. Several duos and bands have been formed at area Open Stages as well. They are an important part of the local music scene!
And if you don’t want to be the talent, these are a fantastic place to go see it and support it instead! Here are the ones we know about for the month of April…
*PB often means there is sound available, but no drums or bass amps.
MONDAYS
East Bluff All-Stars hosting at Kickback on Fulton 7:30-10:30pm
(FB) Every Week
TUESDAYS
Emilele hosting at The Red Barn 7pm
(PB) Every Week
Old-Time Folk & Country Jam at Chillicathe Public Library 6-7:30pm
(AA) Next Up: April 1st
WEDNESDAYS
Bluegrass Jam hosted by Mike Miller at Friendly Valley Tavern 7-10pm
(AA) Every Week
Stumpy Joe’s Free-For-All at Hideaway in Mackinaw 7-11pm
(FB) Every Week
Roy Ponce hosting at The Getaway (West Peoria) 7-10pm
(AA) Next Up: 4/9, 4/23
Erech Bruce hosting at Neon Bison 8pm
(PB) Next Up: 4/2, 4/16, 4/30
THURSDAYS
Sideline hosting at Oz’z Bar & Grill 7-11pm
(FB) Every Week
Primary Turkeys hosting at Peoria Pizza Works 7-12am
(FB) Every Week
Brent Lidwell hosting at The Nickel Plate (Farmington) 7:30pm
(PB) Next Up: 4/10, 4/24
Open Mic at Office on Main (Morton) 8pm-12am
(AA) Every Week
FRIDAYS
Rotating hosts at Michael's Italian Feast - Germantown Hills 6-10pm
(AA) Next Up: 4/4 (1st & 5th Fridays)
SATURDAYS
POP! Peoria Original Performers Open Mic at Curious Baubles 6:30-10pm
(PB) 4/19 only
SUNDAYS
Lonesome Jones hosting at Christy’s Place 3-6pm
(AA) Next Up: 4/6, 4/20
East Bluff All-Stars at 808 Room 3-6pm
(FB) Every Week
Spontaneous Musical Combustion hosting at Country Saloon 4pm
(PB) Next Up: 4/13, 4/27
Roy Ponce hosting at Tartan Inn 7-11pm
(AA) Every Week
OPEN MICS TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR:
Garage Band Open Stage at Harmonize Peoria (FB)
Weekly on Tuesdays for 10 weeks starting 6/3 - 5:30-7:30pm
This is an all-age open stage with full backline and many instruments for performers’ to use. Being under 21 gets you bumped to the top of the list!
Address: 1133 N North St in Peoria
The Listening Room Mobile Open Mic (AA)
Acoustic Open Mic, hosted by Sarah Marie Dillard. It is often on Tuesdays, but occasionally pops up other days of the week as well.
As the name suggests, locations vary. This is a uniquely intimate open mic that encourages active, supportive listening when artists are performing.
Join the Listening Room Facebook group to see dates/times/locations
Perdue’s Grill (AA)
When Megan Maroney is home on break from college, she often holds an acoustic open mic here, usually on Wednesdays.
If you know of one we don’t, leave a comment and we’ll get it added to the list!