Mount Clemens is the county seat of Macomb County, a compact riverside city northeast of Detroit that was once world-famous for its mineral baths. Today its walkable downtown is full of bars and restaurants, including an Irish pub known for a weekly blues open jam, and songwriter nights and open mics across Macomb County are a short drive away. This guide covers Mount Clemens's history, its music scene and venues, and where to find open mics and open jams.
A Brief History of Mount Clemens
The land along the Clinton River near Lake St. Clair was home to the Anishinaabe peoples. In the late 1790s, surveyor and land speculator Christian Clemens settled here and laid out a village, and Mount Clemens became the seat of newly created Macomb County in 1818.
In 1873, drillers looking for salt struck mineral water instead, and Mount Clemens became the "Bath City." Grand bathhouses and hotels drew visitors from around the world, including celebrities and athletes like Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey, who came to soak in the reputedly healing waters. The bath industry faded by the mid-20th century, and the last bathhouse closed in the 1970s.
Selfridge Air National Guard Base, established in 1917 just east of the city, became one of the country's oldest military airfields. Today Mount Clemens is a government and dining hub for Macomb County, with a historic downtown along the river and the Anton Art Center in its former Carnegie library.
The Mount Clemens Music Scene
Mount Clemens's downtown bars and restaurants keep live music going on weekends, from cover bands to blues. Summer brings free downtown and riverfront concerts, and the city's location puts players within easy reach of the rest of Macomb County and Detroit. The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in neighboring Clinton Township hosts touring acts and the Macomb Symphony Orchestra.
As part of metro Detroit, Mount Clemens sits in one of America's richest music regions, the home of Motown, Detroit jazz, garage rock and techno. Local blues and rock players often split their time between suburban stages and Detroit's legendary clubs.
Popular Live Music Venues In and Near Mount Clemens
- Three Blind Mice Irish Pub (101 N. Main St.) – A downtown Irish pub with live music, DJs and a weekly blues open jam.
- Anton Art Center (125 Macomb Pl.) – A community arts center that hosts exhibitions and occasional performances.
- Macomb Center for the Performing Arts (Clinton Township) – Touring concerts and the Macomb Symphony.
- Copper Hop Brewing Company (St. Clair Shores) – A brewery with a monthly songwriter night.
- Detroit venues – Cliff Bell's, the Fox Theatre and the Raven Lounge are about 30 minutes south.
Open Mics and Open Jams In and Near Mount Clemens
Mount Clemens has a downtown blues jam, and other Macomb County cities add songwriter nights and open mics within 20 minutes. Below are the best options, followed by a schedule.
Before you go: Suburban open mics and jams change often. Always check the venue's or host's social media before heading out with your gear.
In Mount Clemens
- Blues Open Jam Night at Three Blind Mice Irish Pub (101 N. Main St.) – Wednesdays. The pub calls its weekly blues jam "famous." Bring your instrument and sit in. Confirm the current schedule at (586) 961-6371.
Nearby in Macomb County and Metro Detroit
- Open Mic at Jamboozies (42066 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights) – Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m., hosted by Jonny Quest.
- Songwriter Night at Copper Hop Brewing (23401 Greater Mack Ave., St. Clair Shores) – Last Thursday of the month (third Thursday in November and December). Original material only; list at 6:00 p.m., music 7:00–10:00 p.m.
- Songwriter Open Mic at Ghost Light (2314 Caniff St., Hamtramck) – Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m., about 25 minutes south.
- Hazel Perk Café Open Mic (21403 John R Rd., Hazel Park) – Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Mount Clemens-Area Open Jam & Open Mic Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Event | Venue | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Songwriter Open Mic (8 p.m.) | Ghost Light, Hamtramck | Singer-Songwriter |
| Wednesday (confirm) | Blues Open Jam Night | Three Blind Mice, Mount Clemens | Blues |
| Wednesday | Open Mic (8 p.m.) | Jamboozies, Sterling Heights | All Styles |
| Thursday | Open Mic (7 p.m.) | Hazel Perk Café, Hazel Park | Music / Poetry |
| Thursday (last) | Songwriter Night (7 p.m.) | Copper Hop Brewing, St. Clair Shores | Original Songs Only |
Tips for Playing Mount Clemens-Area Open Mics and Jams
- Learn some blues standards. The Three Blind Mice jam rewards players who know shuffles and slow blues in common keys.
- Think Macomb-wide. Hall Road, I-94 and Gratiot put most of the county within 20 minutes.
- Watch for summer concerts. Free downtown and riverfront shows are great for meeting local players.
- Plan for winter. Lake St. Clair weather can bring snow and ice; check for cancellations.
Helpful Local Resources
- Downtown Mount Clemens – City and downtown event listings.
- Detroit Metro Times (metrotimes.com) – Regional music calendar.
- openmikes.org – Open mic listings for Macomb County and metro Detroit.
