Open Mic Returns to Rochester Mills Brewery

Open Mic Returns to Rochester Mills Thursday Nights

The Strung Up String Band from Lake Orion - photo by Michael Dwyer

The Strung Up String Band from Lake Orion – photo by Michael Dwyer

Once again, local talent is welcomed to jump on stage to sing a couple songs to the Thursday evening crowd at the Rochester Mills Beer Company in Downtown Rochester. The popular night took the summer off to host outdoor acoustic music and now that the warm nights are fading, the spotlight has once again turned to the main stage inside.

What started as “Greenhorn Music Nights” a few years ago quickly turned into a well-hosted and well-attended evening of local singers, songwriters, and musicians testing their talents on stage in front of family and friends. Kent Koller hosts the event every Thursday evening from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. (artist sign-up starts at 7:30 p.m.), and has turned it into something far better.

Kent Koller

Kent Koller

Host, Kent Koller

Kent was a front person for the Detroit-based band, Fifty Amp Fuse, until just recently. The band is a generation tribute band, which performs all over the country and has several lead signers. Koller exited his role as one of the many lead singers to pursue more of his own music projects.

Kent gets things started on Thursday nights by singing and playing guitar at 8:00 p.m. and then hands it over to the two dozen or more local artists who sign-up to perform 2-3 songs each. He then closes the evening by again performing a song and thanking everyone who came out. Kent provides the sound system. Artists just need to bring their voice and musical instruments.

Katelynn Corll from Rochester - photo by Michael Dwyer

Katelynn Corll from Rochester – photo by Michael Dwyer

The Local Talent

It’s a diverse group of musicians, from young people just getting started to seasoned performers, singing original songs and familiar cover music. It’s a family-friendly environment. From parents applauding their kid on stage to Nashville-like singer-songwriters testing the waters with a new tune they just wrote. In addition, usually one stand-up comedian shows up to tell a few jokes.

Rochester Mills

There is never a cover charge at the Rochester Mills Beer Co. As the name suggests, they brew their own beer and they are a full-service restaurant. Thursdays also offer $3 pints of their Lazy Day Light and half off all appetizers.

Jim Allard from Warren - photo by Michael Dwyer

Jim Allard from Warren – photo by Michael Dwyer

There will also be two $15 gift certificates drawn at the end of the evening and awarded to open mic participants from that night. Please note that some special events or sporting events may postpone or delay open mic, you may want to contact the venue beforehand. Call 248-650-5080 for more information. The brewery is located at 400 Water Street, Rochester, MI, 48307.

About Michael Dwyer

Michael Dwyer is a freelance content provider. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at michael@rochestermedia.com.

Comments

  1. Thanks Michael!

  2. Cynthia Mercadante says

    My daughter Melanie is a 17 year old that may be interested in signing a few songs. So far she has written 6 of her own and plays acoustic guitar while signing. Would this be a good fit for her and what may you need to get things started.

    • Unfortunately Cynthia, the open mic did not return the Rochester Mills this fall (the article was from 2014). We’ll keep readers updated as Kent is looking to relocate the open mic soon. Thank you.

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