With conversations around music becoming ones about online streaming, curating playlists, algorithms and AI, why not give music real power by walking away from your phone, and physically seeing talent play live music right in front of you.
Historically, we can boast The Beatles' played their only live appearance in Guildford at Odeon Cinema on 21 June 1963, and The Rolling Stones played shortly after at the Guildford Civic Hall on 15 December 1963.
To this day, Guildford can showcase it's vast local music scene, of which open mics are vital part of the music community. We have venues, of course, but open mics give aspiring and working artists a welcoming space to practice, build confidence, test new material, and receive audience feedback without much risk. They encourage creativity, strengthen communication skills, make community connections, and provide opportunities for beginners and experienced artists alike to grow and showcase their talents.
It is why I have put together a handful of the open mics in the local area, so we can continue to #SupportLocal on two fronts: the artists playing and the community spaces that often don’t get spoken about in the conversations around where musicians get their first significant steps on the ladder.
These following open mics are in alphabetical order and, when writing this piece, all nights were FREE.
Jubes Open Mic
Guilford Jubilee Social Club
Where: Guildford Jubilee Social Club, Stockton Close, Guildford, GU1 1HR
When: Fortnightly on Wednesdays from 7pm to 11:30pm.
Sponsored by Andertons Music, the vibes for this open mic are towards the student crowd, and the talent you’ll see here and listen to is young. Unique and needed, this night is like having a local BBC Introducing gig.
For more info: Jubes Open Mic
Juicebox Open Mic
Guildford City Club (Credit: Facebook)
Where: Guildford City Club, 73 Joseph’s Road, Guildford, GU1 1DN
When: Fortnightly on Thursdays from 6pm to 11pm
Another fully sound engineered open mic that offers a full band setup, instruments for performers to use. They welcome fans of all genres, though it’s been particularly popular with metal and alternative rockers. Though you never know what you’re going to get, until you go.
For more info: Juicebox_Guildford
The King’s Head Open Mic
The King’s Head (Credit: Facebook)
Where: 27 King’s Road, Guildford, United Kingdom, GU1 4JW
When: Weekly, on Monday from 8pm to 10:30pm
Recently started up again, this open mic is open all music styles. It has plenty of seats, if you’re one to attend seated gigs these days. It’s very laidback and you may be seeing more practiced performers. There’s a lot of space to move around, if you have the confidence!
For more info: The Kings Head
The Prince’s Platform
The Prince Albert (Credit: Matt Verdoorn / Facebook)
Where: The Prince Albert, 85 Stoke Road, Guildford, GU1 4HT
When: Weekly, every Wednesday from 7:30pm to 10pm
Very intimate and friendly space. As drums are not permitted, the atmosphere will be more on the acoustic side. You can definitely expect to enjoy some amazing singer-songwriters and solo guitar players.
For more info: the_prince_albert_guildford
Rowbarge Open Mic
The Rowbarge Open Mic stage (Credit: Facebook)
Where: The Rowbarge, 7 Riverside, Guildford, GU1 1LW
When: Weekly, every Tuesday from 7:30pm to 11:30pm.
It’s right by the river, and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. They get bands from all different styles of music, as the space is big bands are drawn here. Expect the unexpected.
For more info: Open Mic At the Rowbarge, Guildford
