Kick Butt Open Mic

Kick Butt Open Mic is back at Kick Butt Coffee Music & Booze on Sunday, August 16, starting at 7 PM. It's one of the longest-running nights at the venue and one of the few in Austin that puts poetry and music on the same bill, with performers from all walks of life filling in between. If you've never been, it's a straightforward open mic: you show up, sign up, and take the stage.

There's a bit of history to the night. It was founded and originally hosted by the poet Element315, who eventually opened the format to all styles of performance and brought in his friends Lost In Thought and Hot Tamale to help host, with Ernie B manning the boards. The four of them call themselves a "Voltron of entertainment" that draws a revolving door of artistic talent. For this one, Hot Tamale, Lost In Thought, and Ernie B are the ones running the show.

If you're planning to perform, keep in mind that sign-up is first come, first served—you'll want to talk to Hot Tamale or Lost In Thought to get your name on the list. The night is free with no cover, and there's a full bar with wine, beer, and liquor available. It kicks off at 7 PM at Kick Butt Coffee Music & Booze.