Open mic at My Buddy’s is a staple in Chicago, going on seven years. The room is for standup only, and parking is on the street. Run by a woman named Keri, signup is first come first choice. Talent gets three minutes, the light at two. There are no language restrictions. There is no stage. A cordless mic and stand are set up to one side of the room, and it is well lit. Everyone can see the talent just fine. The room the mic takes place in seats about 64. Thankfully, there are no distractions like TVs turned on or pool tables in use. Anyone attending this room is here for the mic and nothing else. What is unique about this room is that it is a competition. For the first three weeks of the month, each week, four talent are chosen by two judges to advance, and in the final week of the month, the 12 who made the cut get to compete. A bonus to all talent performing, each comedian gets a complimentary shot of alcohol to be enjoyed at any time during the set or you may give the shot to someone else. The business is a full bar, but they also offer comfort food like tacos and burgers. Moscow Mules run $12. When the signup sheet came out, we had 11 signups right away. I put my name down on the second spot not seeing at the top of the signup sheet that the first seven slots are reserved for women, bipoc, lgbtqia+ and suburban comics. When the host learned I was visiting from out of state, she was fine with me keeping the second spot. The evening began at 9:11pm with 20 people in attendance. The host speaks from a second cordless mic when bringing up talent. Keri went over the rules, did a little stage time herself then brought up the first talent. The evening went swimmingly. People respected the light, and with only three minutes on stage, even if you’re late on the list, it won’t be long before it’s your turn. Upon finishing my set, I let the judges know not to consider me for the competition, as I would not be in Chicago the last week of the month to compete. I donated my shot of alcohol to a civilian who told me he was up past his bedtime to support the room, which I thought was nice of him to do. He only stayed for the first three talent, as he told me he was there to see me when he learned I was visiting from Los Angeles. I counted 24 people in the room at 9:35pm. Guys, this is a very good room to do. I get why it’s been running as long as it has. Keri is a terrific host. That you get a free shot of alcohol is good, and if you’re a local, to do the competition is a thrill. Everyone attending is there to support standup. Just be sure to do the mic on the weeks they are having the competition versus the final week when only the chosen finalists go up to perform.
Open mic at My Buddy’s is a staple in Chicago, going on seven years. The room is for standup only, and parking is on the street. Run by a woman named Keri, signup is first come first choice. Talent gets three minutes, the light at two. There are no language restrictions.
ReplyDeleteThere is no stage. A cordless mic and stand are set up to one side of the room, and it is well lit. Everyone can see the talent just fine. The room the mic takes place in seats about 64. Thankfully, there are no distractions like TVs turned on or pool tables in use. Anyone attending this room is here for the mic and nothing else.
What is unique about this room is that it is a competition. For the first three weeks of the month, each week, four talent are chosen by two judges to advance, and in the final week of the month, the 12 who made the cut get to compete. A bonus to all talent performing, each comedian gets a complimentary shot of alcohol to be enjoyed at any time during the set or you may give the shot to someone else.
The business is a full bar, but they also offer comfort food like tacos and burgers. Moscow Mules run $12.
When the signup sheet came out, we had 11 signups right away. I put my name down on the second spot not seeing at the top of the signup sheet that the first seven slots are reserved for women, bipoc, lgbtqia+ and suburban comics. When the host learned I was visiting from out of state, she was fine with me keeping the second spot. The evening began at 9:11pm with 20 people in attendance. The host speaks from a second cordless mic when bringing up talent. Keri went over the rules, did a little stage time herself then brought up the first talent.
The evening went swimmingly. People respected the light, and with only three minutes on stage, even if you’re late on the list, it won’t be long before it’s your turn. Upon finishing my set, I let the judges know not to consider me for the competition, as I would not be in Chicago the last week of the month to compete. I donated my shot of alcohol to a civilian who told me he was up past his bedtime to support the room, which I thought was nice of him to do. He only stayed for the first three talent, as he told me he was there to see me when he learned I was visiting from Los Angeles. I counted 24 people in the room at 9:35pm.
Guys, this is a very good room to do. I get why it’s been running as long as it has. Keri is a terrific host. That you get a free shot of alcohol is good, and if you’re a local, to do the competition is a thrill. Everyone attending is there to support standup. Just be sure to do the mic on the weeks they are having the competition versus the final week when only the chosen finalists go up to perform.