About

Open to all acoustic musicians, singers and songwriters, the South Bay Folks Acoustic Open Mike has been a popular feature of the South Bay music scene since 1992. These events are often crowded and a number of traditions have evolved over the years to ensure that everyone gets an equal chance to play, and to keep the evening running at a brisk pace. You'll find more info on how to sign up and performance guidelines below.

When & Where

7pm-10pm Every Thursday
(sign up by 6:45pm)
Mission City Coffee Roasting Co.
2221 The Alameda,
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Mission City Coffee offers a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, pizzas and other good food, excellent coffee, late hours, plenty of room to accommodate a South Bay Folks crowd, and the owner is very music-friendly. It is a pleasant space in an old building filled with character. Recent rennovations, which include an enlarged performance space, stage, and lighting, combined with excellent acoustics, have made Mission City Coffee a notable South Bay venue for small, acoustic concerts.

Directions:

From I-880 heading south:
Take the CA-82 exit to Santa Clara and go 0.3 mi; bear right at The Alameda - go 0.3 mi.
From I-880 heading north:
Take the CA-82 exit - go 0.2 mi; bear left onto the CA-82 N ramp to Santa Clara University and go 120 ft; turn left at The Alameda - go 0.5 mi
Telephone:
408-261-2221

Sign Up & Selection

  • Drop your name in the jar before the drawing begins at 6:45pm. You must be present at the time of the drawing; no "phone ins" allowed.
  • Performers holding a valid rain check from the previous SBF open mike (see below) should inform the host to bypass the drawing and get first choice of a time slot.
  • Please sign up once. "Tom & Jerry," should not sign up as "Tom with Jerry" and then again as "Jerry with Tom." We want to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance at a slot, not to discourage folks from backing up other performers. If in doubt, ask the host.
  • Performers get to choose a time slot as their names are randomly drawn from a jar.
  • Names will not be added to the jar once the drawing has begun. Late comers may wait until after the initial drawing to claim any remaining slots.
  • After all 20 time slots are filled, those whose names remain in the jar may request a rain check to guarantee a slot at the next regularly scheduled SBF open mike.

Performance Guidelines

  • The SBF open mike is intended to showcase musical talents; it is not a poet's or comedian's open mike.
  • Instrumentation must be acoustic. (An exception is made for electric bass when plugged directly into our board.) No synthesizers, sequencers, karaoke machines, tape or CD players.
  • All acoustic genres are welcomed. While many performers would easily be recognized as "folk" musicians and singers, a wide variety of music is performed.
  • Performers are allowed two songs or 10 minutes -- whichever comes first.
  • Be tuned up and ready to perform when your turn comes, or you will be bumped to the end of the list.
  • Instruments with pickups must plug into our board. Leave the amplifiers, effects boxes, etc. at home. Direct boxes are OK, but double check that you have a good battery and good cables. Delays in setup come out of your performance time.
  • Please be aware that children are often present and adjust your performance accordingly.