Sunshine Coast music legends Ziggy Alberts, The Chats, The Jensens, Andrea Kirwin, and Taylor Moss might have all reached a new level of stardom, but they each have one thing in common: they all started their music careers doing their time in the dusty, vibrant traps of local open mics.
It’s where the magical journey of top level musicians truly begins as they get to test their vocals and strumming techniques in front of a live audience, introducing themselves to a tight-nit, but welcoming music-loving audience.
While some make it big, others simply prefer to rotate the quieter open mic nooks, where there’s a Pandora’s box of undiscovered talent, underground venues and less-travelled communities to be found.
If you’re looking for a special intimate night out on the Sunshine Coast where quality music reigns and vibes are sky high, be sure to check out Yelo’s 6 current fave local open mics:
Hosted by local music virtuoso Jay Bishoff, Mr Drifter is a shoe-box sized, modern Asian foodie-fitout, which spills out onto the street with a vibrant mix of backpackers, locals and budding musicians alike, all feasting on street-style food as rollicking artists entertain. Jay acts as the ‘back up man’ often joining in the acts with some drums and strings to add to the frivolity of the night.
Mr Drifter‘s microphones are turned on every Thursday night from 8pm. Don’t be a nanna about it. Every time is a night to remember!
Mr Drifter is at 1/9 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads.
This ‘pin drop’, intimate folk night at uber underground Nambour micro brewery, Morts Brewering Co., draws a very special classy crowd. There’s a feeling of the utmost respect for our fledgling folk musicians, from insanely noteworthy wandering professionals to phenomenal university students giving it their all.
Organiser Karen Law, a Nambour music stalwart herself with a song-writing career spanning 30 years, made her own musical debut in the folk clubs of northern England. She has brought their feel-good sense of community to Nambour, with gentle country storytelling that gives that feeling that you’re finally home.
As Morts Brewing Co. prides itself on having a ‘no core range’ of craft beers, brew lovers can enjoy all the fresh tasty froths in a rainbow of flavours on tap. If you want a cosy family-friendly night with incredibly soothing and emotive music, this one is a must.
Naamba Folk Club runs the third Wednesday of every month from 6.30pm. It’s a blackboard concert, so no bookings are required, just give Karen your name on entry.
Morts Brewing Co.is at 25 Short Street, Nambour.
Marshy’s Moonshine Music, Palmwoods
This hidden oasis is like one of those mysterious festival events where you only learn of the address on the day of the event. It’s a private home affair, where word has mostly spread by mouth, and is quickly becoming one of the most popular on the Coast for more serious musicians. Marshy also offers promotions, recording and a rehearsal space.
Marshy’s open mic, where each act is professionally video recorded, has a home concert on September 2, from 5.30pm with Maroochydore folk troubadour Pat Tierney who is releasing another taste of his forthcoming album, performing new single ‘When The Light Comes Shining’.
Get ready for a relaxed, enchanting evening. Tickets are $25 and include food. Limited seats are available so be sure to book via Eventbrite.
Contact Marshy’s Moonshine Music directly for the mystical “Rancho Relaxo” address.
This pumping, grungy beachside pub, known for its pour-your-own beer and sweltering “suicide wings”, opens its stage floor to musicians every Tuesday from 7pm for the Live & Local Open Mic Night. Performances are video recorded and posted on Taps‘s socials.
Taps has a “college bar” feel with video and board games on offer giving an all-welcoming atmosphere where punters are free to shoot the shit, chew the fat, and indulge in a glut of various colourful cocktails and drinks.
There might even be some dancers or two. Phone: 5477 7222 to book in your act.
Taps is at Mooloolaba Esp &, Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba.
This beating heart of Sunshine Coast home-grown live music is a true musician’s fave entertainment venue. Solbar is an incubator for emerging local musos and whether you want to be heard, jam out, meet other musos, form a band, or just shred in front of a crowd, this is the spot.
Sign on at 6pm, with acts from 6.30pm every Wednesday.
Not a muso? This venue does not disappoint for after-work rumbling bellies. All pizzas are $10. So grab your friends or work mates for a catch up over cheap pizza and sensational grass-roots music.
Solbar is at 10/12-20 Ocean St, Maroochydore.
Home of celebrity TV producer and music manager Ian “Dicko” Dickson, Maleny offers up a spirited major musical hub for incredible hinterland creatives for the monthly The FrontUp Chalkboard Maleny at Maleny Lane, a magical alleyway of gourmet street-food from multi-cultural vendors and live entertainment.
Amidst the fairy lights and tight-seating, a feeling of community is established and this popular open mic has major supporters, who even protested against Sunshine Coast Council, after a near-miss closure of the event. But the show went on and they won their fight. How is that for community spirit!
Be sure to support this thriving venue every Monday night from 6pm. There’s food and drinks from 5.30pm, a licensed bar, and BYO is welcome. Put your name on the board and see Steve Mcleish at the start of the night.
Join the The FrontUp Chalkboard Maleny Facebook page for more information.
Maleny Lane is at 38 Maple St, Maleny.
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