The Village Tap celebrates 500th Open Mic Night
500th Open Mic Night at the Village Tap. Photo credit: Chris Lenton.
by Sara Swanson
For almost the last decade the Village Tap has given musicians of all genres and levels of experience an opportunity to perform with a once-a-week open mic night. Last week, organizers John Mooneyham, Chris McCarthy, and Misty Rose hit a milestone as on Wednesday, July 2, the Tap held its 500th Open Mic Night.
Mooneyham explained that in September of 2016, Tap owner Jack Stein and local (and very talented) singer/songwriter Chris Burnham presented the idea of hosting an “open mic” at the bar; a weekly event that would bring musicians together to hang out and collaborate. Mooneyham brought in Chris McCarthy and Open Mic Night at the Tap began. In the early days it was a learning experience, but they were always looking for ways to improve it. One of the changes was adding headliners, which evolved into Wednesday Jams! Another change was the tent in the parking lot outside. It came about during COVID when indoor restrictions were in place but has continued to be used for open mic on Wednesdays, as well as for Tap patrons and other seasonal events.
Mooneyham stated, “While it has been a weekly obligation, it has also been rewarding in seeing the collaborations that evolved. Bands, duos, trios — that came from the event and are booking gigs around the area, and truly throughout Michigan and beyond — have made the ‘work’ more than worth it all. National touring acts have headlined for us. …”
As McCarthy had to step back, Misty Rose stepped in to be, as Mooneyham describes, “an amazing herder of the musicians, the voice of the open mic, and caregiver of the gear.”
The 500th Open Mic Night was held in the tent, with Johnny Lightnin’ headlining at 7pm and the open mic kicking off at 8pm. Mooneyham stated, “Open Mic #500 was amazing. So many great musicians, one small stage, at the best corner bar in Michigan. So many times ‘community’ was the word used by the musicians this night to describe what the musicians have made it. Thank you to all who showed up and celebrated all of ‘us’ for #500.”
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