Open mic at midnight at Funhouse Lounge has been going on for three years. Marcus Coleman runs the room, which seats about a hundred. Signup is in advance, messaging Marcus on FB the day of the show. I was told that some spots are reserved for out-of-towners, but that was not the case the night I was there. When I saw the signup sheet, there were 19 names on the list. I later saw 20, so someone who showed up (a walk-in?) did make the list, but when I asked if I could go up, Marcuse said not tonight. Talent got three minutes, and mostly the performers respected the light. A few comedians definitely went over their time. There are no language restrictions. Parking is on the street. The business is a full bar, offering $5 pints, but they also serve pizza by the slice, mac and cheese, chips and salsa and hummus plates, even theater candy for $3. A booked show took place before the mic, and almost every seat was taken. However, when the show ended, not one person stayed for the open mic. Perhaps because the show ran late – we did not start the open mic till 12:33am – it was too much for the audience after a two and a half hour show. We had 26 people in the room when Marcus opened with a few minutes of material. I must say the stage was very good, with a black wall backdrop, a mic and stand, even a stripper pole. The bar is to one side, so you can order drinks and not miss a moment of the talent. The first comic went up at 12:46am. We had 29 people in the room by the second talent, not counting the host and bartender. That was the peak for the evening. I noticed as talent finished their sets they left the building, not staying to support others who were scheduled to go later. In spite of Marcus’s energy on stage, whenever he asked people to give it up for the next comic, applause was tepid. I could see people were tired. By the seventh comic, going up at 1:13am, there were 16 in the room. Knowing I was not going to go up, I stayed only for the first hour of the show. I left at 1:35am. Thirteen on the list went up in the first hour, and I counted 14 people total in the room as I exited the door. Perhaps because the room started so late helps to explain the low energy and quick departures of talent who had performed. Maybe if the room had started at midnight, more would have stayed longer to support. Guys, this is the only open mic that takes place late at night in Portland. So far. The list of signups was complete. I don’t imagine there is a low turnout of talent. But the room lacked enthusiasm. I must say I appreciate how much energy Marcus tried to infuse into the room when he was on stage between talent, but the audience was not on board in that way. Had I stayed to the end, I’m sure I would have seen the numbers drop more. Had we started on time, probably the night would have ended about 1:30am, and for a Friday night -- a night when people like to stay out, knowing they can sleep-in Saturday – more peeps probably would have supported to the end. This is not a bad room to do. Don’t get me wrong. I can’t stress enough the importance of contacting Marcus on FB to get a spot when the room is much fuller, and as quick as comedians are to leave after their set, I recommend going up in the first eight spots, if possible. Marcus deserves kudos for running this room. I met the owner of the business and thanked him for allowing standup at his venue, especially when the stage is ideal for standup. Do this room if you know you can sleep in the next day.
Open mic at midnight at Funhouse Lounge has been going on for three years. Marcus Coleman runs the room, which seats about a hundred. Signup is in advance, messaging Marcus on FB the day of the show. I was told that some spots are reserved for out-of-towners, but that was not the case the night I was there. When I saw the signup sheet, there were 19 names on the list. I later saw 20, so someone who showed up (a walk-in?) did make the list, but when I asked if I could go up, Marcuse said not tonight.
ReplyDeleteTalent got three minutes, and mostly the performers respected the light. A few comedians definitely went over their time. There are no language restrictions. Parking is on the street. The business is a full bar, offering $5 pints, but they also serve pizza by the slice, mac and cheese, chips and salsa and hummus plates, even theater candy for $3.
A booked show took place before the mic, and almost every seat was taken. However, when the show ended, not one person stayed for the open mic. Perhaps because the show ran late – we did not start the open mic till 12:33am – it was too much for the audience after a two and a half hour show. We had 26 people in the room when Marcus opened with a few minutes of material.
I must say the stage was very good, with a black wall backdrop, a mic and stand, even a stripper pole. The bar is to one side, so you can order drinks and not miss a moment of the talent.
The first comic went up at 12:46am. We had 29 people in the room by the second talent, not counting the host and bartender. That was the peak for the evening. I noticed as talent finished their sets they left the building, not staying to support others who were scheduled to go later. In spite of Marcus’s energy on stage, whenever he asked people to give it up for the next comic, applause was tepid. I could see people were tired. By the seventh comic, going up at 1:13am, there were 16 in the room.
Knowing I was not going to go up, I stayed only for the first hour of the show. I left at 1:35am. Thirteen on the list went up in the first hour, and I counted 14 people total in the room as I exited the door. Perhaps because the room started so late helps to explain the low energy and quick departures of talent who had performed. Maybe if the room had started at midnight, more would have stayed longer to support.
Guys, this is the only open mic that takes place late at night in Portland. So far. The list of signups was complete. I don’t imagine there is a low turnout of talent. But the room lacked enthusiasm. I must say I appreciate how much energy Marcus tried to infuse into the room when he was on stage between talent, but the audience was not on board in that way. Had I stayed to the end, I’m sure I would have seen the numbers drop more. Had we started on time, probably the night would have ended about 1:30am, and for a Friday night -- a night when people like to stay out, knowing they can sleep-in Saturday – more peeps probably would have supported to the end.
This is not a bad room to do. Don’t get me wrong. I can’t stress enough the importance of contacting Marcus on FB to get a spot when the room is much fuller, and as quick as comedians are to leave after their set, I recommend going up in the first eight spots, if possible. Marcus deserves kudos for running this room. I met the owner of the business and thanked him for allowing standup at his venue, especially when the stage is ideal for standup. Do this room if you know you can sleep in the next day.