Lake Pleasant is a tiny lakeside village in the town of Montague, in western Massachusetts. It's one of the oldest Spiritualist communities in America, and today it's home to one of the region's most heartfelt open mics. Once a month its historic temple becomes a sober, intergenerational listening room for songwriters and acoustic players. Turners Falls, Montague Center and Greenfield add more open stages and jams within 10 minutes. This guide covers Lake Pleasant's history, the local music scene and venues, and where to find open mics and open jams nearby.
A Brief History of Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant sits in the hills above the Connecticut River, in land that was home to the Pocumtuck and other Indigenous peoples. In the 1870s, the railroad line that ran past the lake turned the quiet shoreline into a summer destination, and Spiritualists began holding camp meetings there. Their gatherings, featuring mediums, lectures, music and dances, grew into one of the largest Spiritualist camps in the country, with thousands of visitors arriving by train each summer.
The community built cottages, a hotel and meeting halls among the pines. In 1913, the National Spiritual Alliance was founded at Lake Pleasant, and it still operates from the village's Thompson Temple today. The village's footbridge over a ravine, known as the Bridge of Names, is a local landmark.
Lake Pleasant is part of the town of Montague, which also includes the villages of Turners Falls, Montague Center, Millers Falls and Montague City. The area is known today for its artists, its riverside landscapes and its tight-knit community.
The Lake Pleasant and Montague Music Scene
Music has been part of Lake Pleasant's Spiritualist gatherings since the 1800s, and today that tradition continues with Voices in the Village, a monthly community open mic in the historic Thompson Temple. It's part of the Pond Lily Project and co-presented by The Shea Theater in Turners Falls.
The rest of Montague punches above its weight. The Shea Theater and The Rendezvous in Turners Falls book local and touring acts, the Montague Bookmill in Montague Center is a famously atmospheric riverside venue, and Montague Common Hall hosts a folk-friendly open mic series. Greenfield, home of the Green River Festival, is 10 minutes away.
Popular Live Music Venues Near Lake Pleasant
- Thompson Temple (2 Montague Ave., Lake Pleasant) – The National Spiritual Alliance's historic temple, home of the monthly Voices in the Village open mic.
- The Shea Theater (Turners Falls) – A historic community theater for concerts and performances.
- The Rendezvous (Turners Falls) – A beloved bar with live music and an open mic.
- Montague Bookmill (Montague Center) – A riverside used-book store in an old mill, with concerts.
- Montague Common Hall (34 Main St., Montague Center) – A historic hall with an open mic series.
- The LAVA Center (324 Main St., Greenfield) – A community arts space with open stages and jazz jams.
Open Mics and Open Jams Near Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant's own open mic is monthly, and the villages of Montague and nearby Greenfield fill in the rest of the calendar. Below are the best options, followed by a schedule.
Before you go: Small-town open mics are often monthly or periodic. Always check the venue's or host's website or social media before heading out with your gear.
In Lake Pleasant
- Voices in the Village: A Community Open Mic (Thompson Temple, 2 Montague Ave.) – Third Tuesday of every month. Sign-ups at 6:00 p.m.; the open mic runs 6:30–9:00 p.m. Hosted by Tobey Sol LaRoche. A listening-room open mic for original songs, traditional music and acoustic pieces. Intergenerational, spiritually inclusive and sober, open to all ages and experience levels. Suggested contribution $5–$20; no one turned away. Filmed by Montague Community Television.
Nearby in Montague and Greenfield
- The Rendezvous Open Mic (Turners Falls) – Alternating Monday nights.
- St. Stanislaus Society Open Mic (Turners Falls) – Wednesday nights.
- Montague Common Hall Open Mic (Montague Center) – A periodic Saturday series, 6:30–9:30 p.m., for musicians, poets, dancers and storytellers.
- Open Stage and Jazz Jam @ LAVA (324 Main St., Greenfield) – Periodic Thursday open stages (five minutes per act) and jazz jams for all levels. $1–$5 suggested donation.
Lake Pleasant-Area Open Mic & Jam Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Event | Venue | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday (alternating) | Open Mic | The Rendezvous, Turners Falls | All Styles |
| Tuesday (3rd) | Voices in the Village (6:30 p.m.) | Thompson Temple, Lake Pleasant | Acoustic / Original |
| Wednesday | Open Mic | St. Stanislaus Society, Turners Falls | All Styles |
| Thursday (periodic) | Open Stage / Jazz Jam | LAVA Center, Greenfield | All Styles / Jazz |
| Saturday (periodic) | Open Mic (6:30 p.m.) | Montague Common Hall | Music / Poetry |
Tips for Playing Near Lake Pleasant
- Bring songs that reward listening. Voices in the Village is a quiet, attentive room.
- Respect the space. The Thompson Temple is a working spiritual center; the event is alcohol-free.
- Explore the villages. Turners Falls, Montague Center and Greenfield are all within 10 minutes.
- Plan for winter roads. Hilly back roads can be icy; check for cancellations.
Helpful Local Resources
- The National Spiritual Alliance (spiritualallianceusa.org) – Voices in the Village dates.
- The Shea Theater – Concerts and co-presented events.
- Arts Hub of Western Mass (artshubwma.org) – Regional arts and open mic calendar.
- openmikes.org – Open mic listings for Franklin County.
