Open Mics and Jams in Grand Rapids Michigan

A Brief History of Grand Rapids

The rapids of the Grand River, Michigan's longest river, were a gathering place for the Anishinaabe peoples, especially the Odawa (Ottawa), who had a village there called Bowting. In 1826, fur trader Louis Campau set up a trading post at the rapids, and in the 1830s he and surveyor Lucius Lyon platted rival villages that grew into Grand Rapids, incorporated as a city in 1850.

Abundant timber and water power made Grand Rapids the "Furniture City." After its manufacturers dazzled visitors at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, the city became the nation's leading furniture maker, and companies like Steelcase and Herman Miller (in nearby Zeeland) later made West Michigan a center of office furniture design. In 1945, Grand Rapids became the first city in the world to fluoridate its water supply. It was also the hometown of President Gerald R. Ford, whose presidential museum stands on the riverbank.

Today Grand Rapids is a growing hub for health care and manufacturing, famous for its ArtPrize art competition and for its craft beer scene, which has earned it the nickname "Beer City USA."

The Grand Rapids Music Scene

Grand Rapids has a deeper music history than many realize. Soul legend Al Green spent his teenage years here and began his career singing in local groups. The Grand Rapids Symphony is one of the leading orchestras in the Midwest, and the free Grand Rapids Jazz Festival and the long-running Festival of the Arts fill downtown with music each summer.

The local scene today is notably musician-friendly. Online music magazine Local Spins champions West Michigan artists and keeps a running list of open mic nights, and the region's love of Americana and jam bands runs deep. Bluegrass, blues, indie rock and jazz all have dedicated rooms, and the breweries that made Grand Rapids famous are some of the most reliable places for local players to perform.

Popular Live Music Venues in Grand Rapids

• Van Andel Arena – The downtown arena for major tours.
• DeVos Performance Hall – Home of the Grand Rapids Symphony and Broadway tours.
• GLC Live at 20 Monroe – A large modern concert venue downtown.
• Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater – A beloved outdoor summer concert series in a sculpture park.
• The Intersection and The Pyramid Scheme – Mid-size and small rooms for touring rock, indie and hip-hop.
• Billy's Lounge (Eastown) – A classic blues and roots bar.
• The Listening Room (Studio Park) – An intimate room for singer-songwriters and jazz.
• SpeakEZ Lounge (600 Monroe Ave. NW) – A downtown lounge with Sunday jazz and Local Spins concerts.
• Founders Brewing Co. (235 Grandville Ave. SW) – The city's flagship brewery, with live music and a weekly open mic.
• Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill (760 Butterworth St. SW) – A West Side favorite for local bands and open mics.

Open Mics and Open Jams in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids offers an open stage nearly every night, and Wednesday alone has several choices. Below are the standout events, followed by a schedule.

Before you go: Open mics and jams change hosts, nights and venues often. Always check the venue's or host's website or social media before heading out with your gear.

Jams

• Bluegrass Jam at Chicago Beef Joint (822 Ottawa Ave. NW) – A weekly bluegrass jam (it has run on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, roughly 7:00–11:00 p.m.), hosted by Brian Oberlin of Full Cord. Confirm the current night before you go.
• Sunday Jazz Jam at SpeakEZ Lounge (600 Monroe Ave. NW) – Sundays at 6:00 p.m. on selected dates, hosted by saxophonist Tommy Pancy and his band. SpeakEZ has been the home of Sunday night jazz in Grand Rapids for more than a decade.
• Sunday Jam at Fulton St. Pub & Grill (801 W. Fulton St.) – Sundays at 9:00 p.m., hosted by Joe Rodriguez. Drummers bring their own kits.

Open Mics and Open Band Nights

• Founders Brewing Co. Open Mic (235 Grandville Ave. SW) – Tuesdays, with sign-ups at 6:00 p.m. and music around 8:30 p.m., hosted by Jake Stilson (Big Jake Bootstrap).
• Open Band Night at The Stray (4253 S. Division Ave.) – Wednesdays, sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. and music at 7:00 p.m., hosted by singer-songwriter Nathan Walton. Full bands, solo artists and small groups get 15-minute sets, with drums, amps, mics and PA provided. Free and all ages. Keep it family-friendly.
• Tip Top Deluxe Open Mic (760 Butterworth St. SW) – Wednesdays, 7:00–11:00 p.m., hosted by Hannah Rose Graves.
• Garage Bar & Grill Open Mic (819 Ottawa Ave. NW) – Wednesdays, 8:00 p.m. to midnight; sign-ups at 7:00 p.m.
• Mulligan's Pub Open Mic (1518 Wealthy St. SE) – Every other Wednesday at 9:00 p.m.
• Broad Leaf Beer Open Mic (2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, Kentwood) – Mondays at 7:00 p.m., hosted by Mike Key.
• Kava Kasa Open Mic (962 Cherry St. SE) – First Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. An alcohol-free option.
• Garage Bar Ada Open Mic (518 Ada Dr. SE, Ada) – Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m. to midnight, hosted by Ben Erhart.
• Mayan Buzz Café (208 Grandville Ave. SW) – A Thursday open mic hosted by Wayne Bowerman.

Grand Rapids Open Jam & Open Mic Schedule at a Glance

Tips for Playing Grand Rapids' Open Mics and Jams

• Bring your band on Wednesdays. The Stray's open band night provides full backline.
• Make it a brewery tour. Many of the best open stages are in Beer City's taprooms.
• Prepare for lake-effect snow. West Michigan winters can cancel events; check social media before you go.
• Follow Local Spins. It's the best way to keep up with changes in the local scene.

Helpful Local Resources

• Local Spins (localspins.com) – West Michigan music news and the region's open mic list.
• Experience Grand Rapids (experiencegr.com) – Event calendar and festival dates.
• Grand Rapids Magazine (grmag.com) – Weekend roundups of things to do.
• Grand Rapids Jazz Festival – The free summer jazz festival downtown.