How to perform at Shore Road Open Mic:

Basically, just show up.

You do not need to be super experienced to perform here.

We welcome first-time performers as well as professional/returning artists in the same room. Shore Road Open Mic is free to perform at.

The processes is friendly, organized, and low-pressure.

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How the night runs

Doors open: 6:30 pm
Music starts: 7 pm

The night begins with a single 20-minute featured artist set, then moves into open performance slots. Each open slot is up to 8 minutes, but shorter sets are welcome. We ask performers not to go longer than 8-minutes so we can respect the time of everyone who came to share their work.

How sign-up works

All performers check in at the door and fill out the sign-up sheet. We ask performers acknowledge our performance guidelines on the sign-up sheet before taking the stage.

Open performance slots are first-come, first-served at the door. We typically require performers to signup before 7pm (when the show starts).

What to bring

Please bring:

• your instrument & tuner
• any cables or adapters your setup requires
• a tuner

If you are planning on performing with backing tracks or want us to display graphics/visuals on the projector during your performance, please send us your files at least 24 hours before the event. You can send us your audio tracks and visuals by using our media collection form.

If you have specific questions regarding stage setup or equipment please contact us.

What kind of performances fit the room?

We’ve welcomed a wide range of performances, including drum circles, jaw harps, electronic sets, choirs, a cappella, covers, and spoken word. We love that range. It keeps the night curious, human, and full of surprise.

Celebrating the work of all who share on the stage is central to the culture of our community. We welcome a diverse array of performances as long as it is appropriate for all ages. Cover songs are okay, and original songs are treated like treasured gifts!

If you are unsure whether your setup or performance style is a fit, contact us ahead of time. We would love to hear what you are thinking about sharing!

What is the room like?

This is a welcoming community with a friendly and attentive audience.

It is a listening-first room built around attention, encouragement, and real community. During sets, the focus stays on the person on stage. Between sets, and before and after the show, the room opens up into time for conversation and connection.

A first-time performer should be able to walk in without feeling like they missed a memo. That matters to us.

First time playing an open mic?

If this is your first open mic, you are welcome here.

We’ve built the room around listening. That means performers are not competing with bar noise, side conversations, or a distracted audience. When someone is on stage, the room pays attention. That helps first-timers feel more at ease and gives everyone a better experience.

You do not need to be a regular. You do not need to have done this before. You do not need to arrive with everything figured out. Come as you are, be who you are.

Short sound checks are available before the show upon request (please arrive early if you would like to do a sound check)

What audio/stage equipment is available?

Some of the equipment available includes:

• Four wireless microphones
• A fully weighted 88-key keyboard
• A full drum set
• Three DI instrument lines
• A small personal stage monitor

We also have additional equipment and inputs available if needed, and we can provide XLR lines if you would like to use your own microphone. We are fairly flexible.

We run all audio through a QSC TouchMix-30 Pro and multitrack record all performances.

For more detailed equipment or tech questions, please reach out through the contact form, and our sound tech Parker can help.

Performance guidelines

Please help us keep this environment family friendly.

We kindly request all performers:

• use respectful stage language
• keep the all-ages nature of the room in mind
• treat volunteers, hosts, and fellow performers with care and respect
• stay within your time so others can share their work too

We do not allow hate speech, slurs, harassment, demeaning remarks, or behavior that makes the room feel unsafe or unwelcoming.

If a problem comes up, our host team may pause or redirect the moment.

Interested in the featured artist slot?

We offer one featured artist slot each month.

This is not a slot to apply for simply to get more stage time. It is for artists who want to help shape a thoughtful shared experience in the room and contribute to the open, supportive energy of the night.

If you are interested, you should be open to working with our team to discuss and collaborate on the set.

Learn more about applying to be a Featured Artist.

Parking and load-in

There is ample parking at the venue.

If you are bringing equipment, a back parking lot is available for load-in closer to the stage. contact us before the event to coordinate with our team if you would like to load in from the back parking lot.

The venue is wheelchair accessible. Our stage has two steps to climb but we have a portable ramp for performers with accessibility needs. Please contact us ahead of time if you would like us to make the ramp available.

Common questions from performers

Do I need experience to perform?

No. We welcome first-time performers and experienced performers.

Do I need to sign up ahead of time?

No. Open slots are first-come, first-served at the door. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows. Please send tracks and visuals 24 hours before the show.

How long is a performance slot?

Open slots are up to 8 minutes. Shorter sets are welcome.

What should I bring?

Please bring your instrument, any cables or adapters your setup requires, and a tuner. If you need tracks or visuals, send those 24 hours in advance when possible or we may not be able to accommodate them.

Is there a place to load in equipment?

Yes. There is ample parking, and a back parking lot is available for load-in closer to the stage. Contact the team to coordinate back entrance access.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The venue is wheelchair accessible.