Open Mic Nights on Long Island: How to Sign Up and What to Expect

Open mic nights are how most performers on Long Island get started. Comedians, singer-songwriters, poets and people who just wrote something and want to read it out loud all go through the same thing: find a mic, put your name on a list, wait your turn, and get up there.

If you've never done one, the hardest part is not knowing how it works. Here's what to expect, using our own Friday night at Roots Kava Bar in Port Jefferson as the example.

How to find an open mic on Long Island

Open mics move around a lot. Venues start them, drop them and change nights, so a list from last year is usually wrong. The most reliable places to look:

• The venue's Instagram. Most places post a weekly flyer with the night, the sign-up time and the start time.

• Local performers. Once you go to one mic, ask around. Comedians and musicians always know where the other good rooms are.

• Event listings for your town. Check the dates, and if a listing is old, message the venue before you drive out.

Before you go, confirm three things: the night, what time sign-ups open, and what kind of acts they take. Some mics are comedy only, some are music only, and some take anything.

How sign-ups work

Almost every open mic uses a list. You show up, write your name down, and the host calls people up in order or in an order they pick.

Sign-ups usually open 30 minutes or so before the mic starts. Get there early. Slots go fast at popular rooms, and the first few spots are often the best, since the crowd is fresh and paying attention.

Ask the host how long you get. It varies from room to room, and going over your time is the quickest way to annoy everyone. If they say five minutes, plan for four.

What to bring

• Your material, ready to go. Know your first line cold.

• For musicians, your own instrument, tuned before you walk up. Ask ahead whether there's a sound system or an amp.

• For readers, a printed page or your phone with the brightness turned up.

• A friend or two, if you can. A few people who will laugh or clap makes a first set a lot easier.

Open mic etiquette

• Stay and watch other people's sets, not just your own.

• Keep your phone down and your talking low while someone is up.

• Thank the host and the room when you finish.

• Don't take it personally if a set goes quiet. Everyone has those nights, including the pros.

Worked example: Friday nights at Roots Kava Bar

Every Friday, Roots Kava Bar at 250 East Main Street in Port Jefferson runs a comedy night and open mic. Here's how it goes:

• 7:30pm: Sign-ups open. Come in, put your name on the list and grab a drink.

• 8:00pm: The open mic starts. Music, poetry, creative writing and comedy are all welcome, and so is everyone, first timers included.

• 9:00pm: Live comedy from professional Long Island comedians.

There's a suggested donation at the door, and the proceeds go to creating and implementing performing arts programs.

A few things make it a good first open mic. The room seats about 40, so it feels like an audience without being overwhelming. And because Roots is an alcohol-free bar, the crowd is mostly there to listen. You can order kava, coffee, matcha, tea or a mocktail from our menu to settle your nerves before your set, and staying sharp for the 9:00pm headliners is easy when nobody's drinking.

You can read more about the night on our Friday comedy night page.

After your first set

Go back. Most performers say their second and third open mics teach them more than the first. Try the same material again and see what changes, or try something new. Talk to the other people on the list. That's how you find out about other rooms, showcases and booked shows.

If you're putting together your own night, a showcase or a group event, we also host private parties for up to about 40 people.

Getting to Roots

Roots Kava Bar is at 250 East Main Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, a short walk up from the harbor and the ferry. We're open until 1am on Fridays. Directions are on our visit page, or call (934) 259-8902. Each week's flyer goes up on Instagram.

Open mic FAQ

Do I need experience to sign up for an open mic?

No. Open mics exist for people trying things out. At Roots, first timers are welcome.

How early should I get to an open mic?

Try to arrive when sign-ups open. At Roots that's 7:30pm on Fridays, with the mic starting at 8:00pm.

Can I do music or poetry, or is it only comedy?

It depends on the room. The Roots Friday open mic takes music, poetry, creative writing and comedy.

Is the Roots open mic free?

There's a suggested donation at the door, which goes to performing arts programs.