10. TE' HOUSE OF TEA Open-mike happens at Te' House of Tea every Monday from 7:30 to 11 p.m.; some customers come out specifically to watch while others who have ventured out to grab some tea stumble upon it. You will often see some interesting instruments brought in by the participants, like banjos, musical washboards, and ukuleles in addition to the usual acoustic guitars. This is a fun laid-back night with some unusual musical performances and performers. When you come out, be aware that Te' has more than 130 different teas to choose from, and the food menu is vegan and vegetarian friendly; meat lovers don't worry, they have some items for you to enjoy as well.
1927 Fairview, tehouseoftea.com
9. ACADIA BAR & GRILL If you are a hard-rock or metal musician and looking for a gig to play, head on over to Acadia Bar & Grill in north Houston by yourself or with your entire band on Wednesdays starting at 9 p.m. for Houston progressive-metal band Color Chemistry's Open Jam. Bring your guitars and drumsticks with you, and Acadia has you covered with a 4-piece drum kit and amps that you can use. This is a fun night out for people who want to go out and watch a good rock show, perform in one, or do both. Starts at 9 pm.
3939 Cypress Creek Pkwy., facebook.com/AcadiaBar
8. JP HOPS HOUSE JP Hops House is way outside the loop but worth the Sunday-night trip for open-mike at 6 p.m.; a lot of talented singer-songwriters from the Houston area and around the country show up to try out their new material. At 2 p.m. on every second Sunday of the month, the Houston Songwriters Association holds their monthly meeting, which consists mainly of critiquing songs that members bring in with the goal of helping each other improve their songwriting skills.
Not a songwriter? No problem, come on out and be a part of the audience and drink a few of the beers sold here; the selection includes more than 150 brews in bottles and 27 on tap from the U.S. and around the world.
2317 S. Highway 6, jphopshouse.com
7. LAST CONCERT CAFE Last Concert serves tasty Tex-Mex cuisine, but hanging with the free-spirited, good-natured patrons and staff and enjoying the live music is the real reason to come. Come on out Monday nights for open-mike hosted by Texas music stalwart Jimmy Lee Deen starting at 7 p.m.; Wednesday nights rock group PotRoast performs at 10:30 p.m. followed by a drum circle at midnight; and Sundays starting at 10:30 a.m. is the weekly acoustic jam, with all skill levels welcome. Drop in and perform during one of these weekly events or join in with the regular patrons dancing earnestly to the music.
1403 Nance, lastconcert.com
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