Open Mic Nights
Philip Leung picks up his drumsticks and hits the big time (well, almost) at Hong Kong’s best open mic nights
Don’t let anyone tell you there isn’t live music in Hong Kong. Even if the show schedule is looking light – which is often the case at the start of the week – there are plenty of options for catching quality jam sessions, or getting down and dirty with some DIY blues. Here’s a hopeful rockstar’s take on some of the city’s best open mic nights.
The Melting Pot
I was intimidated the moment I walked into the bar. The instruments were top notch, and the acoustics are on par with concert venues. I asked to play with the assistance of the house band to cover up my mistakes. After a 15-minute jam session, they had me sounding like a seasoned veteran. Though there were only seven people in the audience, they were a knowledgeable lot. Music director and saxophonist Zane Massy’s explanation: “People come here for the music, and that’s ultimately what’s important”.
Talent level: You can get by with basic songs, but having a solid skill set offers greater reward when playing with an experienced house band.
Instruments provided: Electric guitar, bass guitar, drum kit, keyboard, and microphones.
Senses 99
Instruments provided: Electric guitar, bass guitar, drum kit, bongos, microphone, recorder, and cowbell.
Anthony’s Ranch
I butchered the only song I knew on guitar – Hey Jude. But to my amazement, the crowd of about 12 in this Sai Kung steakhouse clapped along and joined me in making up the rest of the lyrics. Owner Anthony Sweet described it best: “Look, this isn’t American Idol, but everyone is certain to have a good time”. It was a lively enough Friday night atmosphere, but apparently it gets better. “Wait till you see Saturday,” Anthony said with a smirk. “We sometimes go till 4am”.
Talent level: If you can carry a tune, you’re set.
Anthony’s Ranch, 28 Yi Chun St, 2791 6113. Open mic hours: Fri 9.30pm-close; Sat 9.30pm-close.
It was a packed house of about 30 people, and everyone was like family. Instruments and stage time was shared fluidly without any need for one-upmanship. From Dave Matthews Band to Backstreet Boys, you can let your inhibitions fly and indulge in the guiltiest of musical pleasures. Because the stage is intimately close to the audience, anyone can sing-along and make requests.
Talent level: Knowledge of basic chords is needed to keep up. A large catalogue of pop songs helps.
Instruments provided: Drum kit, electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and microphones.
I ordered a drink and asked the bartender how to get on stage. She pointed to a chalkboard already filled with names of not people, but bands. I was lucky enough to join a group lacking a drummer and jumped the queue. “You can keep time right?” asked the guitarist, who wanted to make sure that I wasn’t just goofing around. Several covers in, we were jamming some blues. Each instrumentalist took turns to perform short solos and the 15-strong crowd cheered with praise. For once, I felt like a genuine rock star.
Talent level: You need a set list of songs to perform, or at least the ability to bluff it with an already-formed band.
Instruments Provided: Drum kit and microphones.
The Wanch, 54 Jaffe Rd, 2861 1621. Open mic hours: Mon 9.30pm-close.
Backstage Live has standards – so I had to turn in a “demo tape” and waited for a call back. Once I got in, though, I was rewarded with a grand stage, an attentive audience of nearly 40 people, and even an MC to introduce each group. Embarrassingly enough, my band’s performance compelled the MC to hop onto the stage and play along to save us.
Talent level: With an allotted time slot of 30 minutes, you’ll need a lot of material and a good grasp of your instrument.
Instruments provided: Drum kit, electric guitar, keyboard, and microphones.
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4 Comments Add your comment
Hey Phillip, awesome article. I've been desperately looking for someone to jam with and being a bassist, jamming alone just doesn't cut it anymore. thanks.
thanks so much for this article!! i was really getting worried that I would be starved of live bands! going to check out Backstage Live tonight :)
Phil, Thanks for the awsome listing. I travel to HK often and would jam at the now closed 48st Chicago Blues club. I'm in town and heading to the 99 tonight. Chuck B. Boston USA Bass & Harp www.ttpowertrip.com
I am going to HK on a business trip and would like to go to open mic night 14th and 15th of May. Is it possible to perform my own songs, all I do is play the piano and sing. It would be awesome to get backing from other instruments and voices. I have a little bamd at home with guitar, base and two backing vocals. I have never been to an open mic before. How does is work?
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