Open Mic Night

The Brickmakers is hosting an open mic night on Thursday 5 November, and the setup is straightforward: they've got the PA and the mics ready, so if you've got an instrument, you just need to bring it along. It's one of those nights where the bill is made up on the spot by whoever turns up to play, rather than a fixed line-up.

For those who don't know the venue, The Brickmakers is one of Norwich's most established spots, and it's a bit of a multi-stage operation. The main stage usually hosts local covers bands and is mostly free entry. Then there's the B2 venue, a grassroots space for up-and-coming acts from across the country—mostly metal and rock, but pop, punk and folk crop up too. In the summer, they bring out an outside stage. The venue runs a wide variety of nights, including tribute acts and bands, a regular Norfolk Blues Society session, a live unsigned showcase hosted by Pete Turrell, and music quizzes.

This open mic fits right into that mix. It's a night for anyone who plays—whether you're a regular on the local circuit, someone who's been practicing in their bedroom, or just fancy a go. Since the PA and mics are provided, you don't need to lug your own sound gear around; you just bring your instrument and you're set. It's as much about watching other people as it is about playing yourself, so it works just as well if you'd rather spend the evening listening than taking the stage.

It's all happening at The Brickmakers, 496 Sprowston Road, NR3 4DY, on Thursday 5 November. Entry is free, so you can just turn up and see what the night brings.