Open Mic Downstairs - Every Tuesday
Signup: 9pm
94 St Marks Place
New York, NY 10002
Comment from Anastasia :
Is this still on tonight?
Comment from Neal:
Hey! Does this open mic still run as a lottery? What would be the latest time an artist can still be in the drawing? Thanks!
Comment from Jo Ro:
Do you have a PA I can plug a vocal fx machine into?
Thx
Comment from The Wrong Islanders:
hip-hop?
Comment from kash:
do you have a piano?
Comment from Penny Pollak:
Absolutely!! Would love to have you!
Comment from Joel:
I'm working on a solo show and would like to try some of it before an audience. Is that the kind of thing that you allow?
Comment from penny:
Yes!
Comment from doggy:
Are you on new years
Comment from Penny:
No age limit!
Come on down any Tuesday!
Comment from Timisha:
Hi is there an age requirement? I am 18 and I have been writing poetry for a while but now I want to start sharing it. I know some bars/clubs that open mics are held only allow 21+
Comment from Brookes McKenzie:
@Joel - during the regular slots you get 7 minutes. After we hit 30 people we go to the Reserve List which is 4 minutes each. Special guests get 15-20 minutes but they are by invite only. Please come and check it out!!
@Kamilah - you can bring your iPod if you have background music, or the house band can play backup for you if you have the chords of the song in question or they happen to know it. Give it a shot, people do it both ways!!
Comment from kamilah liburd:
want to sing an r&b song i wrote , am i able to sing with music or do a solo?
Comment from Joel Linchitz:
How much time would I have to tell a funny but serious story? Could I get 20 minutes?
Comment from Penny:
"Possibly the best venue in New York City for performers who like to take risks, Penny’s Open Mic at Under St. Mark’s Theater features some of the most eclectic and talented performers to grace the New York scene. Spoken word artists, musicians and comedians combine aspects of several art forms such as dance and theater to create memorable performances for New York audiences. The atmosphere is very supportive and hostess Penny Pollak has amazing energy and enthusiasm. Performers can count on musicians Mike Milazzo and Joe Yoga to accompany them upon request. Remember the three most important rules: no heckling, no fire on stage and no glitter." - CBS New York http://newyork.cbslocal.com/guide/5-best-venues-for-spoken-word-and-poetry-readings-in-new-york/
Comment from Penny:
Sorry you didn't have a good time Anna. Every night is different, maybe you'll have a better time another week.
Oh, my last name is spelled Pollak.
Cheers!
Comment from anna:
this is a freak show. seriously one of the weirdest mic's i've been to.
it's more like a clique like that other person said, very cliquish and amateur.
the place was crawling with dirty old men. One old guy in a kilt was professing his love to penny pollack in song. it was so weird and sick. some good performers but few and far between, the whole experience was icky. I
def won't be going back. i don't want to see guys my dad's age falling over themselves over some chick who does nothing but read names on a list and act flirty. obv there is a core crowd who feed it but this is just one of those incestuous places and things it the best because they don't go anywhere else.
Comment from Penny:
We open the doors at 9pm, everyone puts their name in the bucket then about 930 we draw the names lottery style. Everyone gets 7 minutes to perform whatever they like.
Hope to see you there!
Penny
Comment from Jo :
Hello, i'd like to perfom the 14th what do i have to do? you have to book a time or you just go to the place?
Comment from Penny:
Absolutely! There's a CD and ipod connection as well as a projector for DVD's
Comment from Karen:
I'd love to perform but I'm wondering, can i bring a Cd with an instrumental track to do a cover? Or must it be with instruments or completely independent?
Comment from Anonymous:
is there a piano there?
Comment from Anonymous:
Is there a piano there?
Comment from bb:
piano?
Comment from Jackie:
I'm from NY and last night was my first time going to Under St Marks Theatre and I really enjoyed myself. The place is small but the performers were great. I wasn't expecting such good performers but I was wrong… I laughed most of the night and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the musicians… I have to thank my friend Gary (that also performs) for inviting me and I will surely recommend this to others… This place is what NY is all about without the bright lights…
Comment from Anonymous:
I cant in good concience recommend this OM to my fellow performers. I might recommend it to out-of-towners looking for a cheap night out. But other than that, unless you are lucky enough to be one of the first 10 on the list, prepare for a looooooooong night. Also, you'll need to accept that your primary reason for being there is to support the house ie-THE HOST, the house musician (who IS amazin actually, so no disrespect Mike), the sound guy, a theatrical company, and a few of their 'friends'. All these people may perform multiple times before you hear your name called at 2 am. All will likely be very drunk by then and enjoying a litte too much the fact that this is really their gig and you PAYED to check it out.
Comment from Penny:
All ages!
Comment from JD :
What's the age group
Comment from Penny:
Yes! much love!
Comment from Bert The Flash:
hey does hip hop get love here? cause i would love to perform here.
Comment from Rhian:
Hello there. I hope to come and check out your night and hopefully perform late May/ early June from the UK. What time should I get there to sign up? Many thanks. Rhian
Comment from Penny:
We are there Every Tuesday no matter what and it is always a lottery system each night. Looking forward to seeing you there!!
Comment from mo:
What dates do you have coming up in December around Christmas as I'll be in town and would welcome the opportunity to come down. Is it a lottery system each night?
Comment from Stephen Luz:
I had a beautiful time last visit to Penny's.
A rapt crowd at 1:30 followed by a fine jam. Going tonite if I can.I'll be playing "Battle Scars of The Republic" if I get on. First live performance of this anti-war dirge.
In c# minor blues. Hope I see you there. Give my love to everyone!!!!
Comment from RJ:
Do they have a small drum kit to use on stage? I'm want me and my drummer from my band to play our songs, but we need the drums. Not looking for a full set up by any means, but wanted to know if they have a small kit ready to use. Most open mic nights don't sign up people with drummers, but figured it's worth asking.
Comment from Larissa:
Is there a synth or piano on site?
Comment from Muhammad Jami:
Okay. The Return of Mo was a success even for the 5 people left. It doesn't matter the time or the number of people. They listen… the silence actually is incredible. Lottery Sign ups and raffle prizes are pretty fun because there's always an excitement value to it. Penny and her minions are incredible. Some of the best comedians and musicians in new York. You will be shocked by pure entertainment value!
You can sing to tracks, I have a looper now and it is also accepted.
No, heckling,fire or Glitter on stage so I had to cut all of that out of my act but it was well worth it!
and Victor, you can use my Guitar! but yes, there is a house guitar!
Comment from victor:
Hi. Your open mike sounds very cool. I'm coming from the west coast and can't bring my guitar with me. I'm wondering if there might be a house guitar to use. Thanks.
Comment from Bruce Waid:
Can you sing to tracks?
Comment from Penny:
Just show up at 9pm!
Comment from MARCO:
My name is Marco Viccaro
I'm a singer/guitarist from Rome Italy
I am here until mid MARCH.I am looking for a venue to showcase my music.
What do I need to do partecipate for open mic night??
Thank you ,Marco Viccaro
Comment from The Sort-me-Outs:
3 dollars each, or for the whole band?
Comment from Lindsey:
This is by far the best open mic ever in nyc history
Comment from Penny:
Everyone gets 7 minutes to do what ever they want! Only 3 dollars at the door. Go to pennysopenmic.com for more information!
Comment from paul bernstein:
Please let me know time limit (or # of poems) for poetry reading aat open mike.
Comment from sara naide:
hi, i would like to perform at your location on open mic night, please let me know the details. i'll perform music along the lines of dance music… please let me know if there is an admision fee or anything else i should be aware of . thanks.
Comment from Penny:
Go to pennysopenmic.com for themes, special guests, hootenanny songs, pictures and more!!
Comment from penny:
It's all ages!
Comment from courtney:
Is this over 21 only?
Comment from Anonymous:
This was the best open mic I've ever been to. The host and everyone there are SO NICE and the performances were like 95% awesome. I waited 4 hours to go on and it was STILL enjoyable. I'm definitely going back.
Comment from Dottie:
Is there an admission fee if you're coming to be an audience member and not a performer? Thanks.
Comment from jenny:
easily the best open mic i've ever been to.
Comment from Anonymous:
There is a Keybourd!
Comment from Anonymous:
is there a piano?
Comment from John Murdock:
Under St. Marks Theater, Right in the heart of the east village's last stand.
Horsetrade theater co has gained the hearts and attention from a new generation of artists/performers by rewarding risk-taking and experimentation. The under St. marks scene inspires innovation while remaining abashed in the true east village spirit.
Comment from Penny Pollak:
I created Pennies Open Mike to give a space for any artist/performer to share and express their work on stage. With the help from the many talented artists who present their work and (ideally and mostly) respectfully listen, it has become an open enviernment where people feel free and safe to experiment and grow as artists and as people.
Every week we have a different Theme to promote artistic inspiration, a Featured Special Guest and raffle prizes!
During the break is the Hootenanny Spectacular! An open Jam session like none other!
Under St. Marks Theater is the perfect space. With a brand new sound system, a large stage for dancers, a screen for film-makers, managers dedicated to art over profit and so much more!
"Spoken-word artists, musicians and other creative folks are invited to share their talents at this weekly gathering hosted by Penny Pollak."
Four time Books and Poetry Critics Pick!
- Time Out New York-
"Head on down to Pennie’s Open Mike for a supportive crowd to urge you on to greater vocal heights. It’s the gift that keeps on giving."
24/7 Things to do in NYC
-The New York Press-
"Musicians, poets, storytellers, performance artists… all are welcome to come and drop their two cents at Pennies Open Mike. Hosted by Penny Pollak. This new open mike is dedicated to giving artists of every stripe, spot and dash a venue to share their work… very highly recommended." "Five stars! (Highest rating)"
-Toxic Pop-
"Pennies Open Mike Night at Under St.Marks Theater… Readers are chosen by lottery pre-show, and those lucky few get 7 minutes of open-mic. Sessions interspersed with raffle prizes, special guests, fancy beer, and a musical hootenanny!"
-The L Magazine
Comment from paultab:
First time I've submitted a comment about an open mic -- I found this one last night and walked in with open expectations.
Without a doubt, this has been my favorite open mic experience to date! There is a 3-dollar cover, which they use to keep the space, and if you show up between 8 and 8:15 you are placed in lottery for a spot (last night there were 28 people at lottery time). You get 7 minutes, which Penny gently but firmly enforces, and which everyone adheres to.
The regular attendees treat the venue, as one of them aptly put it, as "a sacred space," and on the whole, it's a very warming experience. Trust me when I tell you you do NOT want to heckle in this room.
I'm definitely going back next week.