Los Angeles Open‑Mic & Open‑Jam Overview

Los Angeles is a sprawling, genre‑spanning hub for live music. From intimate coffee‑house stages to historic rock clubs, the city offers a nightly calendar of open‑mic and open‑jam events that cater to singers, songwriters, instrumentalists, and beat‑makers alike. Below you’ll find the most reliable venues, a typical weekly schedule, sign‑up procedures, and practical tips for making the most of the LA scene.

Weekly Schedule of Must‑Visit Events

• Monday – The Mint – Open Mic Night
  • Time: Doors open 7 pm; sign‑up starts at 7:30 pm.
  • Genres: Rock, blues, singer‑songwriter.
  • Sign‑up: Online Google Form (link on the venue’s website).
  • Fee: $5 per act (cash or Venmo).
• Tuesday – The Viper Room – Acoustic Tuesdays
  • Time: 8 pm start.
  • Genres: Acoustic, folk, indie.
  • Sign‑up: On‑site first‑come‑first‑served sheet.
  • Fee: $5 (tip the host).
• Wednesday – The Echo – Mid‑Week Jam
  • Time: 6 pm.
  • Genres: Indie‑rock, post‑punk, synth‑pop.
  • Sign‑up: Email jam@theecho.com with a short set list 48 h in advance.
  • Fee: Free (donations welcome).
• Thursday – The Granada – Open Mic Night
  • Time: 7 pm.
  • Genres: Jazz standards, pop, classic crooner material.
  • Sign‑up: On‑site board; first‑come‑first‑served.
  • Fee: $3 (cash only).
• Friday – Harvard & Stone – Open Jam Session
  • Time: 9 pm.
  • Genres: Funk, soul, R&B, hip‑hop.
  • Sign‑up: RSVP via Instagram DM (@harvardandstone).
  • Fee: $10 (covers back‑line equipment).
• Saturday – Hotel Café – Songwriters Open Mic
  • Time: 8 pm.
  • Genres: Singer‑songwriter, folk, pop‑rock.
  • Sign‑up: On‑site sheet; limit of 10 songs per act.
  • Fee: $5 (tip the house).
• Sunday – The Derby – Sunday Jam
  • Time: 2 pm.
  • Genres: Blues, jazz, classic rock (instrumental focus).
  • Sign‑up: QR code at the door; first‑come‑first‑served.
  • Fee: Free (optional tip).
• Monthly – The Blue Whale – Open Mic + Open Jam (2nd Saturday)
  • Time: 7 pm.
  • Genres: Eclectic, any style welcome.
  • Sign‑up: Online form (link on venue site).
  • Fee: $5.

Key Tips for Performing in Los Angeles

• Arrive early. Most venues fill sign‑up sheets within the first 10‑15 minutes.
• Know the gear policy. The Derby supplies a drum kit and bass amp; other venues expect you to bring your own amp/PA.
• Set‑list preparation. Many hosts request a short set list 24‑48 hours before you perform (especially for jam nights).
• Age restrictions. Most clubs are 21+, but The Mint and The Echo allow all‑ages (check specific night).
• Networking. Bring business cards or a QR code linking to your SoundCloud/YouTube page; most musicians scout for collaborators.

Contact & Further Resources

• The Mint – themintla.com/openmic – (323) 467‑3700
• The Viper Room – viperroom.com/events – (310) 274‑2885
• The Echo – theecho.com/jam – (323) 938‑4400
• The Granada – granadacafe.com – (323) 462‑3317
• Harvard & Stone – Instagram @harvardandstone – (323) 444‑7770
• Hotel Café – hotelcafe.com – (323) 462‑7705
• The Derby – derbyla.com – (310) 393‑2672
• The Blue Whale – bluewhale.la – (323) 467‑3332