There is a vibrant “open mic scene” in the Inverness area. If you have a night you want advertised, please tell us, you can also swing by our IGigs Acoustic page to let us know there as well.
Events are listed in no particular order and are subject to change (please check with venue direct just in case)
Details of the events are on this page, but if you want to see when they are on please check out our Gig Guide.
Caley Bar Open Mic
Where are you?
The Caledonian Bar in location in the middle of the High Street in Nairn, central and easy to find.
What’s the format of the night?
The format of the night is a laid back open mic with myself and Tam hosting the event.
What kind of performers is the event for?
The event is for performers of any background, the more diverse the better, however it is acoustic. Electric guitar amps are provided, ample microphones also available, and plenty of inputs for guitars/other acoustic instruments.
If you are wanting to perform what are the things that you need performers to know?
Set length is fairly flexible, however dependant on the number of participants. Typically performers play a maximum of around 45mins, however we want participants to feel comfortable with what they play, neither feeling rushed nor over stretched. Most importantly we want people to feel at ease and enjoy their day.
If you are just wanting to watch, can you tell us about the environment?
Entry is free, children under 16 are allowed in the venue until 8pm, and 16-17 year olds till 10pm, when accompanied by an adult. It is a warm friendly bar with reasonably priced, and a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and a kettle of course.
When is it?
Last Friday of every month.
Who is the contact?
Contact is Mark (via his Facebook page), the Caley Bar (via the venue’s Facebook page) or telephone at 01667 459534.
Check the Gig Listings for the next event.
Acoustic Music Night
Where are you?
Velocity Cafe & Bicycle Workshop, 1 Crown Avenue, Inverness
What’s the format of the night?
It’s an acoustic music evening with invited guest artists representing a mix of styles and material from mostly local Highland Artists.
What kind of performers is the event for?
It’s not an open mic night but if an artist wishes to play they should make contact with me on Facebook or at dougieburns@hotmail.co.uk
Don’t just turn up on the night with a guitar or expect a spot as there won’t be a space. I am always on the lookout for new acts but all should be purely acoustic.
Original material or covers it doesn’t matter as long as I like it. I’m the host and I’m not booking music I don’t like. I host the night so I basically choose my own playlist.
That hopefully shouldn’t put people off contacting me because I’m very nice and cuddly and am rarely likely to reject an act.
I have however hosted open mic nights where artists have made me want to scream and I’m not going through that again because I don’t need too. It’s my night ,I host it, I’m the filter
If you are wanting to perform what are the things that you need performers to know?
About a 20 minute set is normal and everyone should be aware there is no PA.I sometimes have poetry in between singers or short story tellers it’s an eclectic mix and it works
If you are just wanting to watch, can you tell us about the environment?
This is a coffee shop gig and all ages from very young to very old are welcome. The only thing I would ask is that the audience gives the artists a bit of quiet to perform.
There is payment by way of coffee , food and /or cake for performers. The audience will need to buy it I’m afraid but it’s very good and they should. The cafe allows BYOB so folks can bring wine or beer if they like.
When is it?
Please refer to the Velocity website.
Who is the contact?
Dougie Burns via dougieburns@hotmail.co.uk
Old North Inn Open Mic
Where are you?
We are at the Old North Inn (Bogroy previously Known as) Inchmore IV5 7PX. it is on the A862, 7.1 miles out of Inverness. It is also on the bus route from Dingwall to Inverness.
What’s the format of the night ?
The format for the night is Open Mic then a special guest to finish up! Unless advertised as special night like Jam Night.
What kind of performers is the event for?
The nights are open to musicians, singers, bands (of all genre). Comedians, magicians, poets, story tellers. We will try to have a Jam night twice a year where everyone can join in your slot freestyle!
If you are wanting to perform what are the things that you need performers to know?
The length of open mic slots are about 15 mins, if booked for special guest slot 45 mins. We have a full PA,music stand, 1 amp but if you like the sound of your own amp bring it along also good to take along guitar lead.
What do the audience need to know?
The event is free to everyone. It has age restrictions dependant on which room it is in. the public bar is over 18s and the lounge under 18s are welcome (please check our events through face book to see the night is over 18s only before you come along) it is held in a hotel so refreshments are available (teas,coffees,soft drinks,alcohol and Food).
Who is the contact?
Mark Forbes and Paul Haigh. Through the Old North Inn open mic and music sessions face book messenger
When is it?
First Thursday of the month
What social media presence do you have?
At the moment we are just on Facebook but hope to evolve onto other social media.
Glachbeg Croft Folk Folk Club
Where are you?
The minor road just off the A9 at the Munlochy junction towards Tore
What’s the format of the night ?
Open Mic followed by guests
What kind of performers is the event for ?
Acoustic performers, through mixing desk and PA
If you are wanting to perform what are the things that you need performers to know?
Open Mic- usually 10 minutes- guest performers 30 minutes.
If you are just wanting to watch, what do you need know?
Free entry. Donations welcome. Refreshments available
Who is the contact?
Bob Bull. bob@glachbeg.org.uk. 01463 811923
What social media presence do you have?
When is it?
3rd Tuesday of the month 7.30 pm. Family friendly
The Strathpeffer Open Mic of Earthly Delights
Where are you?
Crystal House Hotel, Strathpeffer
What’s the format of the night?
We run fortnightly, Thursday night 7-10 pm. Please see Facebook page for events and info. We open the floor for the open mic from 7pm. There is usually a featured artist that plays from 9 pm, but if there is no featured artist, the floor is open til session close at 10pm. Impromptu Jams are encouraged!
We try to have a photographer, photos are provided to you for your own use. Also, you are welcome to bring your own recording device if you wish a record of your performance on the night.
What kind of performers is the event for?
We welcome anyone, of any genre! Singer-songwriters, poets, instrumentalists, a Capella, Jazz, Americana, readings, the more variety the better. Young artists, or just starting out, are very welcome and supported.
If you are wanting to perform what are the things that you need performers to know?
Your length of set depends on how many others attend on the night, come prepared to do at least 3 pieces but it could be more, if you wish. If you only have one song, that’s ok too. We have P/A and leads and mic, for anyone to use.
If you are just wanting to watch, can you tell us about the environment?
There is no entry charge, the Crystal House is a cozy ‘local’ with a wood burning stove and a fully stocked bar. The feel is welcoming and accepting for all. Food is available, and children and dogs are very welcome.
Who is the contact?
unitedsoundsofamericana@gmail.com
The Strathpeffer Open Mic of Earthly Delights – Crystal House on Facebook
Crystal House Hotel 01997 421300
What social media presence do you have?
When is it?
First Saturday of every month, 2- 4pm.
Open Mic
Where are you?
Mackenzies Highland Inn, 125 Grampian road, Aviemore
What’s the format of the night ?
Easy going. Generally will have an hour or two of ensemble jamming and songs but if people want to play 20-30 mins to themselves thats great too.
What kind of performers is the event for ?
Music only, no drums, pa and mixing desk are set up ready to plug and play but people are more than welcome to use their own amps etc guitars, bass, sax, trumpet, strings all welcome and we have a house percussion set aswell
If you are wanting to perform what are the things that you need performers to know?
Turn up from 9 and speak to phil or paul who are in charge. Or email before hand just to give us a heads up mackenziesinn@outlook.com
if you come in at 8.30 we’ll feed you for free too!!!
If you are just wanting to watch, can you tell us about the environment?
Fee entry, no children after 9pm unless they are residents of the inn. Dogs welcome
Who is the contact?
Andy Farmer, innkeeper
01479 810672
When is it on?
Check out their Facebook Page
Other Open Mics
There are a few other open mic in the area but the times fluctuate so you may want to check them out via their host venues;
The Market Bar, Inverness
The Tooth and Claw, Inverness
The Sunset Cafe, Inverness
