These days, Contra Costa County is a cultural center with an ever increasing performing arts scene. Here are some favorite venues for ongoing open mic nights in Contra Costa County.
BRENTWOOD
A community organization called Brentwood Writes arranges occasional open mics, which typically take place at the Community Center or the Library. Contact
Brentwood’s Harvest Park Bowl hosts an open mic on Thursday nights. Call 925-516-1221 for more details. Ask for Pam or Jim.
CLAYTON
The Clayton Club Saloon in Clayton hosts a musical open mic on Thursdays. Your MC, Neil Hampton, provides an amped up acoustic guitar. Each performer gets 15 minutes.
CONCORD
Enjoy a laid back, low key open mic every other Tuesday for poets, musicians and comedians at the Clayton Valley Bowl Lounge, located at 5300 Clayton Road. This event is open only to people over the age of 21.
Also visit Ale Industries on Thursday nights. This open mic runs from 6 pm to 9 pm. Call 925-470-5180 for details.
Finally, the Panama Red Open Mic is held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Performers get fifteen or twenty minutes each. Call 925-969-9390 for details.
CROCKETT
Drop in on the poetry Open Mic at the Valona Deli every Sunday from 4 pm to 6 pm. Call 510-787-2022 for details.
MARTINEZ
On the first Monday of each month, try Armando’s in Martinez, where they host open mics for local musicians. Each performer gets 15 minutes of face time with the crowd.
Also try Roxx on Main, which hosts an Open Mic for all kinds of performers. Call 925-370-7699.
WALNUT CREEK
For a reggae style night out, visit Tiki Tom’s Acoustic Open Mic. Performances run from 10 pm to 1 am. Each performer gets four songs. Expect a fun, loud, twenty-something crowd.