No Holds Barred - A Terrible Open Mic Night

"The worst open mic in Astoria..."

Doesn't sound very inviting, does it? Tell that to the droves of musicians and fans who pack the Shillelagh Tavern every Tuesday night for the biggest weekly music event in town. Nominated for 2010's Best Weekly Event in Astoria, Terrible Tuesday has firmly established itself as Astoria's premier open mic night.

Buyer beware, this open mic is not restricted to a one man (or woman) singer/songwriter acoustic performance. Open mic night at the Shillelagh comes complete with fully equipped bandstand, including bass, guitar, drum set and PA. The venue literally does all of the roadie work for you. For local musicians looking to perform, bring only a passion for music and a willingness to play.

Photo: Paulina Lambaskis

Open mic entrants are prompted to sign up, pool hall style, on a rectangular chalk board at the corner of the bar. In lieu of a game of billiards, the evening’s entertainment includes raucous rock bands and solo acoustic acts blowing off steam, before an audience of their peers. There exists little or no competition between artists. A close knit family vibe can be felt throughout the venue. The Astoria music scene is very much the underdog to the higher profile boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Venues like this one have seemingly bonded local musicians together under this flag.

Justin Finley, founder of the Astoria Music & Arts group, organizes this weekly Open Mic night in Astoria. He describes the neighborhood’s burgeoning music scene as, “underground and uninhibited.” These are the perfect words to describe the musical entertainment every Tuesday night at the Shillelagh.

Photo: Liv Nieves (Justin Finley, Founder of AM&A)

The performances at the venue are often times contagious. Bands play their sets loose and free with an abundance of passion and energy. On any given Tuesday the audience is witness to a no holds barred version of open mic night. Local artists such as John Hyde provide a bit of levity for the evening, with a John Mayer-esque delivery to their songs. However the majority of the bands here rely more on a Green Day, Nirvana approach to their music.

The featured band on the bill last week was The Silverwings. The band’s classic rock style comes off more punk, as a result of its raw and straightforward presentation. They took time however to stress some old school rock credo. “All songs should have a guitar solo.” preached lead singer Bruno Mejia, in an after show interview. Their set was cohesive and the band put on a great rock show no matter how punk their delivery was.

The Silverwings performing at Queens College from Myspace

Justin Finley describes the overall vibe of the evening as “DIY Punk, with community”. He goes on to mention that it’s venues like this that have laid the foundation for creativity in our town. Justin can recall that the Astoria arts scene wasn’t always this way. As a young musician Justin started the AM&A to give bands like his own an outlet. Back in those days bands from Astoria weren’t afforded any real opportunity for exposure. Being loyal to his hometown Justin didn’t give up. As he puts it, “I’m a big believer in playing with the cards that you’re dealt.” It looks as though his passion is starting to pay off.

At last week’s performance 15 to 20 patrons packed the bar giving off the energy of a crowd twice that number. As a final comment Justin asserts that “People [Music lovers] in Astoria should be brave enough to come out and support these local bands.” The bands and fans at the Shillelagh Tavern are doing just that.

If you’re itching to watch some great local talent, or have a band looking to perform in the area, stop by The Shillelagh on Tuesday nights. Sign up begins at 8pm and follow the weekly featured act. To stay in the loop, join the AM&A group on WLA.

Tonight's Terrible Tuesday features local rock band, DIgamY.