Uncommon Ground is committed to supporting up-and-coming local independent artists. Our open mic nights are known to be some of the best in Chicago and we have the longest running open mic night in the city! All of these events are open to the publi and FREE to attend!
It’s highly recommended that all artists arrive on time for sign-ups to guarantee a spot. The length of stage time for each artist ranges from 5 minutes (1 song) to 15 minutes (2-3 songs), depending on the number of performers that night.
NOTES ON PERFORMING AT OPEN MIC
We can play any backing track or MP3 file from any portable electronic device that has a standard headphone jack (including cell phones, iPods, iPads, tablets, etc). all ages are welcome to perform.
we can’t have more than 3 people per act. Full bands are not permitted to perform during Open Mic. No drum kits!
We have an outstanding sound system with a PA, but we do not have any house instruments onsite. Artists are expected to bring what is needed for their performance.
OPEN MIC COMPETITION
Winners are chosen at each of our Open Mic Nights each week. Twice per year, all of the winners are invited back to compete in our annual Open Mic Finals Competition.
In order to perform in the finals, you must be invited. All of these events are open to the public and since crowd participation is important, we ask performers to bring along their family & friends!
Finalists will get 5 minutes of stage time (or one song each), and original material is encouraged. Even if you are invited to both, you may only perform at one.
Winners are chosen based on the following categories: Performance, Song, Musicianship, Crowd Reaction/Participation, and Other.
Prizes for top 3 performers include but not subject to: Shure microphones, cash money, Greenstar Brewing & Uncommon Ground merch, Bloodshot Records merch, radio play, on-air radio interview with WZRD Chicago, your own show at Uncommon Ground, and artist exposure through press & media.
