Stella Blues Tuesday Night Open Mic
Connecticut's Premier Original Music Showcase
Every Tuesday night at Stella Blues transforms into a celebration of original songwriting and live performance. With sign-ups starting at 8:00 PM sharp and performances beginning at 8:30 PM, this weekly event has built a reputation as Connecticut's finest open mic night for aspiring singer-songwriters.
The Vibe
Hosted by the trio of Seth Adam, Darian Cunning, and Brendan Wolfe, the Stella Blues open mic maintains a supportive yet professional atmosphere. This isn't your typical acoustic coffee shop open mic—the venue provides full backline including PA system, drum kit, guitar amp, and bass rig, creating a legitimate stage experience for performers. The bluesy dive bar aesthetic, complete with vintage vinyl album décor, creates an authentic music venue feel that attracts serious musicians alongside casual performers.
The format emphasizes original compositions. Each performer gets a 15-minute slot or three songs, whichever comes first. The house band will accompany performers on their original songs if desired, though this is explicitly not a karaoke-style backing band situation. The emphasis on original material creates a community of songwriters rather than just cover performers, fostering a creative environment where musicians support each other's artistic development.
The Performances
The open mic has celebrated over 16 years of continuous operation, building a dedicated community of regulars while welcoming new performers each week. The sign-up fills quickly, so arriving by 8:00 PM is essential. The house band performs their own set around 10:10 PM, providing a professional musical centerpiece to the evening.
Performers range from solo acoustic acts to full bands, though setup time counts against performance time, so efficiency matters. The audience includes other musicians, music lovers, and bar regulars who genuinely listen and engage with the performances. It's a scene where you can feel the music matters—not just background noise for drinking.
The open mic serves as an audition opportunity. Staff members judge performers on songwriting, vocal performance, playing ability, stage presence, and audience response. Outstanding performers may be offered a Monday night of their own, providing a pathway from open mic participant to featured artist.
Practical Details
Performers must bring their own guitars and basses—these are not provided. Large guitar amps are explicitly not allowed. Pre-recorded tracks are strictly forbidden, keeping the focus on live performance. The venue operates with a strict "be prepared" ethos—know your songs, have your gear ready, and respect the time limits.
The bar itself offers an extensive drink menu with craft beer selections, award-winning cocktails, and reasonably priced options including $3 Busch specials. There's an outdoor deck for breaks between sets. The atmosphere balances serious musicianship with dive bar casualness, creating a space where both quality performance and relaxed enjoyment coexist.
For musicians seeking to develop their craft in front of a knowledgeable audience, test new material, or simply experience performing on a professional stage with quality sound, Stella Blues Tuesday open mic represents one of the region's premier opportunities.