There's this intriguing uncertainty at events like an open-mike night. Who will play tonight? It could be good. It could be really bad. It could get inappropriate or completely strange. A performer could say something that brings people to tears. Maybe I'll buy a CD or download some of the music tomorrow. Maybe I'll never want to hear that again. Or rather, it's so bad we have to hear it again!
Jammers, comedians, acoustic musicians and poets are among the welcomed at open mikes here in town. Here's a quick rundown of some of the more consistent Anchorage open mikes for your listening pleasure ... or displeasure.
SUNDAY
Wide Open Mike (Comedy)
Location: S Lounge (Fairview)
Host: Kelly Lee Williams
Hours: 9 p.m.
Description: This is what one might call a free-for-all comedy open mike. Well, mostly comedy. Regulars say people often step to the stage with a guitar and host Kelly Lee Williams (local musician and comedian) has been known to break into song. This is a good place to try comedy for the first time or test some new material, but the bar patrons can get heavy with the heckling at the S Lounge. Located next to the Travel Inn on Gambell Street, the venue has a better reputation than its sometimes seedy looking neighbor. Overall, this open mike is rough around the edges. Maybe that's what gives it its charm?
Humpy's Open Mike/Jam Night
Location: Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse (Downtown)
Hours: 8 to 11 p.m.
Hosts: House band is Justin Somaduroff on bass, Pierre Bidondo and Lisa Ballard on guitars, and Dean Richards on drums.
Description: Humpy's has long been a showcase for local music. Its open mike has evolved into more of a jam night, but locals voted them the best open mike in the Anchorage Press Picks 2011. Whether you sing, play guitar, drums, bass, horn or whatever, the band will back you up and throw together arrangements on the fly. Poets and comedians are also welcome. People come out to hear blues, '90s rock, R&B, country, as well as original work by local musicians. This is a noisy pub environment with a lot of open mike history.
MONDAY
Acoustic Jam
Location: Anchor Pub (Downtown)
Hours: 9 p.m. to close
Host: Rick Brooks
Description: Along with an art and music night on Wednesdays, this is one of the ways the Anchor Pub is showing support for local performers. This open mike was the first consistent event that led the Anchor to host local music weekly. Tagged a musician-friendly open mike, performers include songwriters, guitarists and small bands unplugged. Local band "The Eternal Cowboys" are regulars, and there's an occasional poet as well.
TUESDAY
61º North
Location: Tap Root (Spenard)
Host: Justin Boot
Hours: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Description: Tap Root has several jam nights, but this is the authentic open mike. The local music epicenter hosts everyone from Anchorage open mike veterans like Gil Rodriguez on guitar to the middle-school-aged daughter of your neighborhood barista on keyboard. Minors may perform before 10 p.m. when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. There's a strong possibility there will be a noisy crowd that's more interested in the Pabst Blue Ribbon tallboys, local brews and halibut tacos than singing along, but there's no doubt any person who spends ample time at Tap Root is a fan of local music. Host Justin Boot will burn a CD of each performer's set for them to take home.
WEDNESDAY
Comedy at Koot's
Location: Chilkoot Charlie's (Spenard)
Hours: Every other Wednesday, 8 to 10 p.m.
Host: Greg Chaille
Description: The point of this open mike is to find openers for the bigger-name comics Koot's brings up every month. This event spotlights local comedians, some have been doing comedy for years and others are new to the stage. Those who are better than the rest get to open for comics who have performed all over the country and on television.
Sessions
Location: S Lounge (Fairview)
Hours: 8 p.m. to close
Host: Michael Howard
Description: Singer/songwriters, duets, folk musicians, bluegrass bands, poets, dancers and all kinds of other quirky talent Anchorage has to offer will meet at the S Lounge on Wednesdays. This is a listening-room-style open mike with a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Hopefully the hecklers from the Monday night comedy open mike will behave themselves or stay home.
THURSDAY
Indigo Open Mike
Location: Indigo Tea Lounge (Downtown)
Hours: 7 to 9 p.m.
Alternating hosts: Jeff Newell and Sarah Jo Stephens
Description: This relaxed, intimate atmosphere is a place for people who are still becoming comfortable with playing in public. It's an all-ages open mike with a good mix of poetry, singer/songwriters and every once in a while a comic will come through. The crowd is friendly and the venue is quiet.
WEEKEND
Open Mike With Dan Lesperance
Location: La Mex (Dimond)
Hours: 7 to 10 p.m.
Host: Dan Lesperance
Description: This started as a Thursday night event that has flowed over to Friday and Saturday. Lesperance will play covers, mariachi-style tunes and more until others take the stage with their accordions, keyboards, guitars and voices. Lesperance will back performers up or they can play on their own. He can't accommodate drum kits or large bands, but if you play acoustic guitar, he can mike your sound. Performers are always welcome to bring a hand drum. Music is located in the bar at La Mex, home of the Grande Margarita.
Rosey Robards
Daily News correspondent