Though open mics often focus on verbal skills such as poetry and comedy, the concept could well predate spoken language
Though open mics often focus on verbal skills such as poetry and comedy, the concept could well predate spoken language. Perhaps it once involved our big-foreheaded ancestors grunting melodiously for each other’s entertainment, evolving with the march of time into a way for folk to share their talents in the absence of any fourth wall. There are now more open mic nights in Phnom Penh than there are days of the week, so to help you navigate the scene here are a few of our favourites and what you can expect to hear when you get there.
Most laidback: Sundance Inn & Saloon
As intimate, friendly and casual as that girl you went around with for a few weeks during college, Sundance’s weekly open mic is a hotbed of talent. Most weeks, you can find Scott Bywater, of Cambodian Space Project fame, performing a lively set of both originals and covers. The nights are as loose as the cheap liquor suggests and, as such, are a good way to jam with people you wouldn’t get a chance to otherwise. They tend, like Sundance itself, to draw a good crowd of regulars who are supportive and appreciative of covers, originals and/or improvisation. From 8pm on Tuesdays at Sundance Inn & Saloon, #61 St. 172.
Most technical: Opera Cafe
If this write-up were a video-game, Opera Cafe’s open mic would appear at the end and take place in Bowser’s castle. Ostensibly billed as a Jazz Jam, the mic is kept open by Gabi Faja for those able to improvise on that level of musicianship. For variety’s sake, Gabi often cedes his role as host to someone with a slightly different background. And you might want to consider fasting before you go: the cafe is home to some of the finest Italian food in town. From 8pm on Fridays at Opera Cafe, #188 St. 13.
Loudest: Paddy Rice
With drums, amplifiers, mics and guitars, Paddy Rice serves as much as a rehearsal space for local bands as it does an open mic. Host Jet, of rock trio Bum N’ Draze, is quick to encourage anyone to join – and will happily provide a drum beat and/or improvised leads if you need an extra body or two. Expect to get gawped at by tourists strolling along Riverside. From 8:30pm on Thursdays at Paddy Rice, #213/217 Sisowath Quay.
Most diverse: Show Box
Originally intended as an unplugged poetry slam, the open mic at Show Box has since evolved into a many headed monster – a process that started when someone brought in an acoustic guitar and moved the party upstairs to play through their speakers. The night still features spoken word poetry by the likes of Kosal Kiev, but you’re just as likely to see stand-up comedians, beat boxing and pretty much everything in between. From 8pm every first and third Thursday of the month at Show Box, #11 St. 330.
Youngest: The Terrace
What began as a recital for students of Australian saxophonist Euan Gray – the front man with The Rooftops in his native Oz – is now a very public happening. The night still starts with recitals by his pupils, some as young as ten and performing in public for the first time, but then the floor is opened up to acoustic solo and/or duo acts – with Euan always poised to throw crazy sax leads over whatever tunes you bring to the table, should you so desire. Expect a more subdued and attentive audience than you’d find at most pub jams. From 6:30pm every other Saturday (check ‘The Terrace on 95’ on Facebook) at The Terrace, #43 St. 95.