The best open mic nights in Kent

THE BEST OPEN MIC NIGHTS IN KENT

There’s no easy way to put this: not everyone was born to be a star. Luckily that doesn’t matter because there are plenty of options to try your performative chops at a karaoke or an open mic event in downtown Kent.

WORDS BY Collin Cunningham

MONDAY

@ZEPHYR

We get it, the first day of classes each week is rough and sometimes you need a bit of extra motivation after a relaxing weekend. That’s why it’s nice Zephyr Pub on Main Street hosts karaoke every Monday from 10 until close, which is usually around 2 a.m. Stop in for a cheap drink to calm your nerves before stepping up to the mic in one of Kent’s most comfortable bars.

Kendall MacKeigan and Jacob Mitchell sing their rendition of “Someone Like You” by Adele March 11 at karaoke night at Zephyr Pub.

Photo by Tessa Poulain.

TUESDAY

@KENT FRAMES

Kent Frames on South Water Street is the place to try your hand or your band at open mic between 7:30 and 10 p.m. You might have to raise your voice to be heard over the sound of bowling balls rolling against the hardwood lanes, but that’s just more encouragement.

Performers sing and play instruments at Kent Frames Open Mic Night on Tuesday, February 26.

Photo by Bobbi Broome.

WEDNESDAY

@VENICE CAFE

Hosted by Bethany Joy of indie-folk band The Speedbumps, Venice Cafe’s open mic nights are a quieter affair, more of a smooth reward to carry you through the rest of the week after hump day than a loud and extravagant showing. Stop by to see some of Northeast Ohio’s most talented up-and-coming songwriters every week. Signups are at 7:30 p.m. and performances continue from 8 until 11 p.m.

Ty Prager performs for his first time at Venice Cafe with his original song “Only Cure for Heartbreak” on Wednesday, March 6.

Photo by Sarah Riedlinger. .

FRIDAY

@EUROGYRO

EuroGyro, on the corner of South Depeyster and Main Street, offers karaoke from 9 p.m. through close every Friday night. Hosted by Nick the Drummer since 2013, this event offers hundreds of songs, ranging from oldies to newer pop and rap jams. Come for Power Hour between 8 and 9 p.m., and then stick around to hear an eclectic blend of “Sweet Caroline” and “Shake It Off.” EuroGyro only checks ID when you go to buy a drink, so feel free to go in and pick a song no matter how old you are.

EuroGyro hosts a concert event in place of karaoke night on Friday, March 8 as the onlooking crowd cheers.

Photo by Sarah Riedlinger.