The gentleman who runs the open mic at East Bay Coffee is Trent. Talent gets 5 minutes, the light at 4. Lineup is done by lottery. When your name is called you go to the signup sheet and put your name in any available spot you want. They have 26 openings. It is a family-friendly room, and there were plenty of under 18s in the room, so watch the language. Parking is on the street and it is free. All genres of talent are welcome. Trent has been running the room for three years. The business serves coffee, tea and other non-alcoholic beverages. To eat they have croissants and desserts on display. Note: drinks are not offered after 8pm. The room the open mic takes place in can seat about 60. The stage is a four-inch platform and it holds three mics as well as a drum set and a piano off to the side. I arrived at 6:40pm, and the room was already packed. I got a seat after ordering hot chocolate and was one of the lucky ones to have a place to sit. Before the show began, it was standing room only. Over 60 people attending. The show got off to a late start, about 7:19pm. I drew an early number and took the fifth spot. I think there were about 12 signups. While it took a little while for the room to settle once the show started – I guess people felt licensed to talk when musicians were performing – when I went up, and the audience realized I was doing standup, they were very good about being quiet. Guys, while this room is open to all forms of talent, I learned from Trent I was only the second comedians they had ever had. A bit of a head-scratcher in that Pinole is not that far north from Oakland. This room should be attracting more comics. Most assuredly, the audience is on board for comedy. Trent runs a great room. From the beginning I could see people were inspired, clapping along with musicians at the beginning of the open mic. People were spirited and friendly and likable, and I didn’t want the evening to end. I was told there can be weeks when it’s this packed, other weeks maybe half the size. But if that’s the case, you’re still going to have a substantial and attentive audience, two ingredients every comedian wants when performing. Do this room if you’re passing through on to the wine country. But even if you’re staying in the Bay Area, if you’re near the Oakland area, consider dropping in and doing a set. You will be well-received, and Trent keeps the room very positive.
The gentleman who runs the open mic at East Bay Coffee is Trent. Talent gets 5 minutes, the light at 4. Lineup is done by lottery. When your name is called you go to the signup sheet and put your name in any available spot you want. They have 26 openings. It is a family-friendly room, and there were plenty of under 18s in the room, so watch the language. Parking is on the street and it is free. All genres of talent are welcome. Trent has been running the room for three years.
ReplyDeleteThe business serves coffee, tea and other non-alcoholic beverages. To eat they have croissants and desserts on display. Note: drinks are not offered after 8pm. The room the open mic takes place in can seat about 60. The stage is a four-inch platform and it holds three mics as well as a drum set and a piano off to the side.
I arrived at 6:40pm, and the room was already packed. I got a seat after ordering hot chocolate and was one of the lucky ones to have a place to sit. Before the show began, it was standing room only. Over 60 people attending.
The show got off to a late start, about 7:19pm. I drew an early number and took the fifth spot. I think there were about 12 signups. While it took a little while for the room to settle once the show started – I guess people felt licensed to talk when musicians were performing – when I went up, and the audience realized I was doing standup, they were very good about being quiet.
Guys, while this room is open to all forms of talent, I learned from Trent I was only the second comedians they had ever had. A bit of a head-scratcher in that Pinole is not that far north from Oakland. This room should be attracting more comics. Most assuredly, the audience is on board for comedy.
Trent runs a great room. From the beginning I could see people were inspired, clapping along with musicians at the beginning of the open mic. People were spirited and friendly and likable, and I didn’t want the evening to end. I was told there can be weeks when it’s this packed, other weeks maybe half the size. But if that’s the case, you’re still going to have a substantial and attentive audience, two ingredients every comedian wants when performing. Do this room if you’re passing through on to the wine country. But even if you’re staying in the Bay Area, if you’re near the Oakland area, consider dropping in and doing a set. You will be well-received, and Trent keeps the room very positive.