Musicians, comedians and entertainment lovers gather every week to perform and listen to the talent Carbondale has to offer.

Open mic night is an event that gives aspiring musicians and comedians the opportunity to take a chance, practice their routine and get on stage. Anyone can participate in the free event.

Hangar 9 hosts an open mic night on Mondays throughout the year. Elizabeth Yewell, manager at Hangar 9, said the event has been part of the entertainment scene for 10 years and is a great place for locals and students to come and share their talents with the community.

Andrew Vaz, of Du Quoin, said he has been playing music most of his life and has attended open mic night at Hangar 9 for more than a year.

Vaz said open mic nights are a great way to practice being on stage and playing in front of a crowd. He said playing at open mic night events are an essential part of any musician’s journey, especially before getting a paid gig.

“If any musician wants to share their music and have a good time, open mic night is an easy way to get on the musical grid,” Vaz said.

Hangar 9, and many other open mic venues, require performers to sign up for a time slot an hour in advance. Yewell said since space is limited, performers are encouraged to arrive early to sign up. She said solo artists and duos are accepted and each performer is encouraged to play three to five songs and have a great time.

Open mic nights are held at Hangar 9, Global Gourmet, Premiere Lounge and the Gaia House in Carbondale.

Global Gourmet and the Premiere Lounge host a comedy open mic night every Tuesday evening along with the Gaia House every Friday.