Essanay Cafe
This event happens the second and fourth Wednesday of every month and can give you a CD of your set afterwards.
In my opinion, Niles is the only real neighborhood in Fremont. Niles' main street is a quaint string of old west shopfronts that look as if they were plucked from the 1850s and deposited in the 21st century. The Essanay's extremely popular, friendly and multi-aged (from high school to retirement age) open mic is an attentive, classy cafe event and it's often standing room only for latecomers. There's a sizeable back patio filled with extra tables for smokers and, during winter months when the show is inside, if the place is packed you'll often find musicians out there chatting before they are asked to go on.
The hospitable owners often participate in the event and invite musicians to finish off with a group jam session at the end of the evening while the waitresses (and sometimes friendly customers) clear the tables and close up shop. Bruce asked me to start hosting this open mic in Feb 2009, so pop down and say "hi!"
Read about past Essanay open mic events, see more pics and listen to mp3s on the open mic blog.
- Signup: 6pm First come, first served
- Legnth: 6 to 10pm
- MC: Seán Lightholder (510) 771-7122,
- Terms: 2 songs, but some performers may be asked for an encore
- Sound: House PA
- Info: 37533 Niles Boulevard , Niles , 94536 | (510) 792-0112