Ypsilanti night spots feature several open mic events near the EMU campus

Thanks to Eastern Michigan University's close proximity to downtown Ypsilanti, student creatives can find numerous public places to display their skills. A number of spots are within a one-mile radius of Eastern's campus, according to Google Maps.

Local artist Queso Tone, who has hosted numerous open mic-style showcases, said the events offer opportunities for connection and community support.

"There are a lot of talented people in Ypsilanti, and there are a lot of businesses that want to showcase talent in Ypsilanti. I've gotten the chance to meet people not only at Eastern but in the area," Tone said.

With a new album coming out, Tone said these events offered him opportunities to test new material.

"People should come not only to see some new music but also to connect," Tone said. "Connect, network, you never know who you're going to run into at events like this."

The style of open mic nights varies based on location and includes showcases, karaoke and speakeasies. All places either have set days of the week dedicated to open mic nights or hold recurring events.

Several places in Ypsilanti announced they are seeking artists looking to perform at preplanned events and hosts looking to schedule open mic events. On campus, EMU's Amplifying the Arts student organization hosts occasional Java Jam open mic nights. For upcoming events, check EMU AMP!'s Instagram account, @emu.amp.

Ypsi Alehouse

Ypsi Alehouse is a brew pub that features open mic nights every second, third and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. It is open to all ages. Additionally, it has live music 7-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The Alehouse is at 124 Pearl Street, No. 100 in Ypsilanti.

Ziggy's

Ziggy's is a performance space, bar and coffeehouse with occasional open mic nights. Its event scheduling and performance details are updated on its website and social media. It is open to all ages, and entry prices may vary. Ziggy's is at 206 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti.

Powell's Pub

Powell's Pub is a bar on the outskirts of campus that hosts karaoke Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The space is filled with dartboards and pool tables. Powell's is at 625 N. Huron St. in Ypsilanti.

Wyrd Byrd

Wyrd Byrd, a shop for new and used media, holds occasional open mic night events. Event dates are updated on the shop's website and Instagram. The space is filled with vinyl records, films, tabletop role-playing games and self-published booklets.
Wyrd Byrd is located at 9 S. Washington St. in Ypsilanti.

Rhizome Roots Studio

Rhizome Roots Studio is a wellness studio that provides a speakeasy open mic night once a month on Fridays. According to its official website, it is open to acoustic musicians, poets, authors in the making, artists and patrons of the arts. Entry is $10 or $5 for students. Rhizome Roots has a public calendar on its website for upcoming events.
The studio is located at 108 Pearl St. in Ypsilanti.

Ohana Lounge

Ohana Lounge is a coffee lounge that hosts occasional showcases and weekly DJ sets. Past showcase events include Ypsi Got Talent, during which musicians, poets, comedians and magicians had the chance to perform to win studio time. Upcoming event information can be found on its website and Instagram account, @ohanacoffeelounge. Ohana Lounge is at ​​11 E. Cross St. in Ypsilanti.

The Ypsilanti Freighthouse

The Freighthouse is a local venue run by the City of Ypsilanti. There have been numerous open mic nights held there in the past. The City of Ypsilanti website has a public calendar of upcoming events and openings for the Freighthouse, which is at 100 Market Place in Ypsilanti.