Musicians' guide: Open mic nights
Mondays
Glasgow
Nice 'n' Sleazy
421 Sauchiehall St, 333 0900. 8pm. The Monday Acoustic Jam, 8pm–midnight. Free to all performers. Bring your instrument and join in the fun.
Open Mic NIght - Pivo Pivo
15 Waterloo Street, 564 8100. 6pm. Weekly open mic, followed by featured performances from different artists.
Edinburgh
Open Mic - Whistlebinkies
4–6 South Bridge, 557 5114. 9pm. Just turn up and perform. All styles all level of experience. The perfect way to get a first gig.
Open Mic - Bannermans
212 Cowgate, 0131 556 3254 Every week from 8pm onwards. It's free to play, and there's a great wealth of musical talent on offer.
Tuesdays
Glasgow
Acoustic Sessions and Open Mic
Oran Mor, 731–735 Great Western Road, 357 6200. 8pm. Acoustic night hosted by Ross Clark every second Tuesday, unless there's a previously booked performance. It's worth giving the venue a ring beforehand to check. There's the occasional guest performer, too.
Glasgow Songwriters
Blackfriars, 36 Bell Street, 552 5924. 8pm. Fortnightly gathering of the musicians' collective with featured artists, open mic and a strict original material policy.
Edinburgh
Open Mic - Whistlebinkies
4–6 South Bridge, 557 5114. 9pm. New bands always wanted to play this weekly spot. Call or email in advance to secure a slot. [email protected]
Wednesdays
Glasgow
Open Stage
The Halt Bar, 160 Woodlands Road, 352 9996. 8.30pm. Weekly open mic session.
Thursdays
Edinburgh
Out of the Bedroom
The Waverley Bar, 3-5 St Mary's St, 557 1050. 9pm–Midnight. This regular singer-songwriter night demands original music from its performers but is incredibly friendly and welcoming. To book a slot come down before 8.30pm on the night.
Dr Ruby's Musical Surgery
The Jazz Bar, 1 Chambers Street, 220 4298. 5–8pm. Open stage for singer-songwriters to showcase their material.
Fridays
Edinburgh
Dr Ruby's Musical Surgery
The Jazz Bar, 1 Chambers Street, 220 4298. 5–8pm. Open stage for bands to come and show what they've got.
Sundays
Edinburgh
Open Mic - The Tron
9 Hunter Square, High Street, 226 0931. 8.30pm. Comedy band Lazyhand host this open mic shindig.
Monthly
Glasgow
Seeds of Thought
CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, 352 4900. 7.30pm. Live spoken word, acoustic music, drama sketches and open mic.
Edinburgh
Exposed
The Jazz Bar, 1 Chambers Street, 220 4298. 8.15pm. £3. Monthly singer-songwriters/new bands night which sees pre-selected acts displaying their finest musical wares.