Johns Open Mics

Other East London Open Mics

There are other great open mics in the area, these are the ones I go to:
Genius John's Coppermill Open Mic Every Monday 9pm-midnight.
205 Coppermill Lane E17 7HF Walthamstow Coppermill open mic not running at the moment.
Gerry & Phil's Old Hall Tavern Open Mic Third Thursday of the month. For many many years this was Trev's open mic but he has handed it over as of 2025.
200 Hall Ln, London E4 8EY
~~Gerry & Phil's Travellers Friend Open Mic~~ Discontinued as of November 2024,
96-498 High Rd, Woodford, Woodford Green IG8 0PN
Kris Ambrose's Harlow Electro Acoustic Night Every 2 weeks on Wednesday, best check the Herald or Facebook for details.
The Herald, Broadley Rd, Harlow CM19 5RD
Tavern On The Hill Open Mic with Martin. First Thursday of every month, but varies, so check on Facebook or the venue. 318 Higham Hill Road, London, United Kingdom
~~Mammoth Tap. First Wednesday of the month but check as the Walthamstow open mics are tending to shift dates at the moment (Oct 24)~~ Discontinued as of end of 2024See also:
East London Open Mics Group on Facebook
And don't forget:
Open Mic Finder

The Hollybush 140 High Rd, Loughton IG10 4BE

First Thursday Of Every Month

Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Rd, E17 9QR

With Steve Rushton & Richard

Second Thursday Of Each Month

Next One:Thursday, March 13, 2025

The Cricketers 299-301 High Rd Woodford IG8 9HQ

With Lisa

Last Thursday Of Every Month

Next One:Thursday, March 27, 2025

The Queens Head, 60 Paternoster Hill, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3LA

First Thursday Of Every Month

Next One:Thursday, April 3, 2025

For New Performers

Just some random thoughts for new performers.
1. You play 3 songs and if there's time we go around again.
2. You can bring music on paper or a tablet - we have a music stand.
3. Try and tune your guitar before you go on.
4. When singing, sing as close to the mic as reasonably possible, a couple of inches distant maybe.
5. Pick simple songs to start with, the clever stuff can come later!
6. The pitch (key) of the song should be so that the highest note is near the top of your range.
7. Things will go wrong - it doesn't matter at all - the audience will applaud you anyway for giving it a go at live music.
8. I do advise against backing tracks and karaoke at an open mic, but its ok if it gets you going.
9. Most acoustic guitars have battery powered pickups which is ideal. If yours haven't got a pickup we just put a spare microphone up really close.

Mailing List

If you want a memory jogger in your email each time an open mic is coming up, drop your email address here. Thanks!

About me

I go to a fair few open mics in the area and I have got into hosting a couple of them. I have my own website of originals and covers at johndrummond.com