The What-Have-You (TWHY) music open mic at Evening Star Cafe mixes solo performers, bands, and pickup jams together in a loose, industry-night-style environment.
This is a musicians’ hang, hosted by musicians for musicians who want maybe to perform or just hang out on a weeknight. The vibes are casual and comfortable, with a touch of music snobbiness, but not hipster snootiness. And there are, of course, plenty of Lebowski references. And good beer.
Please abide.
there are rules
In order to facilitate both solo and group performers, we provide a full backline (details below) AND instruments. This allows us to do quick changeovers, keep the night moving, and helps ensure every signup gets to play. There is NO NEED to bring your instruments or amps, unless it’s something like harmonica, trumpet, or something else we don’t provide.
You can direct questions to the hosts at eveningstarcafeopenmic@gmail.com. Please email ahead if you have any “special requests” or “can I do this” inquiries. However, we don’t do advanced signups.
you’ll never believe what happens next
Generally, TWHY happens every first and third Weds of every month, in the No. 9 Upstairs Lounge at Evening Star Cafe, in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.
The first Weds is an “any songs” night, while the third Weds is typically a “theme” night. The idea is, each act has to play one song that somehow satisfies the theme.
Start time is 8:30 pm or as soon as we get the PA working (typically 4-6 mins late). Signups onsite around 8pm.
SCHEDULE
SEPT 4: Our 2-Year Anniversary (No theme)
SEPT 18: Bluegrass Night, an unplugged night with no amps, just a few stage mics (we think)
OCT 2: No theme
OCT 16: Tom Waits Night, long-rumored, yes we’re finally doing it
NOV 6: No theme
NOV 20: Emo Night, a post-election let-your-emotions-out jam
DEC 4: No theme
DEC 18: Holiday Show, this year’s one chance to play seasonally-appropriate jams
lotta ins, lotta outs
hosts
TWHY is organized and hosted by Del Ray locals Greg Roth and Gabe Fry.
Both have played in numerous bands at numerous venues (sometimes together).
They’ve collectively played the 930 Club, State Theatre, Black Cat, Iota (rip), Rock and Roll Hotel (rip), Galaxy Hut, Jaxx (good riddance just kidding), a parking lot at SXSW, and various empty buildings for Artomatic.
Evening Star Cafe graciously hosts us, but does not run the open mic itself.
flow
Signups onsite starting around 8pm day of.
Open Mic starts at 8:30 pm, ends around 11:30 pm.
Each act gets 2ish songs or 10-ish minutes. Kinda depends on how many performer slots we fill.
Quieter acts typically perform in hour one, bands and jams happen after, then we finish again w/ quieter acts so we don’t wake the neighbors.
Calling for volunteers to join your jam is encouraged.
NOTE: We don’t necessarily follow the order of signups, opting instead to establish a nice flow and make switches as the night dictates.
backline
We provide a full backline and your basic rock instrument lineup:
Acoustic guitar (s) w/ DI boxes
2-3 electric guitars with pedal boards and 2 tube guitar amps
1 bass + amp
1 88-key keyboard + amp
Full drum set (cymbals/snare/sticks/brushes/mallets/rods and all)
Drum rug which really ties the room together
Full PA system with 3 vocal mics