About

Open to all acoustic musicians, singers and songwriters, the South Bay Folks Acoustic Open Mike has been a popular feature of the South Bay music scene since 1992. A number of traditions have evolved over the years to ensure that everyone gets an equal chance to play, and to keep the evening running at a brisk pace. You'll find more info on how to sign up and performance guidelines below.

Final Update (6/26/2008):

The SBF open mikes have resumed as of Thursday, June 26th. 
This could not have happened without the cooperation of neighborhood residents who dropped their opposition. If you attend, PLEASE:

  • * Be respectful of residents and be as quiet as possible at all times in the parking lot and the neighborhood.
  • * Do not practice your instruments in the parking lot behind the Cafe.
  • * Do not loiter or congregate in the parking lot at night.
  • * Avoid parking in the residential neighborhood. (If Mission City's parking lot is full, there are usually spots further east, along The Alameda.)
  • * Be sure to park legally and obey the posted parking restrictions, otherwise you are likely to be towed.

Continuance of the open mike and other music at the Cafe is predicated upon being a good neighbor. We're good at that.

When & Where

7pm-10pm Every Thursday
(sign up by 6:45pm)
Mission City Coffee Roasting Co.
2221 The Alameda,
Santa Clara, CA 95050

Mission City Coffee offers a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, pizzas and other good food, excellent coffee, and the owner is very supportive of acoustic music. It is a pleasant space in an old building filled with character, and has become a notable South Bay venue for small, acoustic performances.

Directions:

From I-880 heading south:
Take the CA-82 exit to Santa Clara and go 0.3 mi; bear right at The Alameda - go 0.3 mi.
From I-880 heading north:
Take the CA-82 exit - go 0.2 mi; bear left onto the CA-82 N ramp to Santa Clara University and go 120 ft; turn left at The Alameda - go 0.5 mi
Telephone:
408-261-2221

Sign Up & Selection

  • Drop your name in the jar before the drawing begins at 6:45pm. You must be present at the time of the drawing; no "phone ins" allowed.
  • Performers holding a valid rain check from the previous SBF open mike (see below) should inform the host to bypass the drawing and get first choice of a time slot.
  • Please sign up once. "Tom & Jerry," should not sign up as "Tom with Jerry" and then again as "Jerry with Tom." We want to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance at a slot, not to discourage folks from backing up other performers. If in doubt, ask the host.
  • Performers get to choose one of seventeen time slots as their names are randomly drawn from a jar.
  • Names will not be added to the jar once the drawing has begun. Late comers may wait until after the initial drawing to claim any remaining slots.
  • After all 17 time slots are filled, those whose names remain in the jar may request a rain check to guarantee a slot at the next regularly scheduled SBF open mike.

Performance Guidelines

  • The SBF open mike is intended to showcase musical talents; it is not a poet's or comedian's open mike.
  • Instrumentation must be acoustic. (An exception is made for electric bass when plugged directly into our board.) No synthesizers, sequencers, karaoke machines, tape or CD players.
  • All acoustic genres are welcomed. While many performers would easily be recognized as "folk" musicians and singers, a wide variety of music is performed.
  • Performers are allowed two songs or 10 minutes -- whichever comes first.
  • Be tuned up and ready to perform when your turn comes, or you will be bumped to the end of the list.
  • Instruments with pickups must plug into our board. Leave the amplifiers, effects boxes, etc. at home. Direct boxes are OK, but double check that you have a good battery and good cables. Delays in setup come out of your performance time.
  • Please be aware that children are often present and adjust your performance accordingly.