Music is something that everyone can enjoy, whether it’s played through a speaker or live by a band, singer, or dj. However, most artists find themselves competing for a spot to perform.
Local Auburn artists no longer have to compete for play time because there is a place that welcomes musicians of any skill level to play their instruments and sing covers, originals and other types of songs.
The Jailhouse in Downtown Opelika behind Rock ‘N Roll Pinball hosts Open Mic Night every Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Musicians from every skill level are welcome to perform their music there, and poets are welcome to perform their acts.
Performers sign their names on a numbered sheet after arriving at the bar and play based on the order of the signup sheet. Once their name is called, it is showtime.
Andrew Reynolds, general manager of the venue, hosts the weekly event and said that open mic nights are something that the community needs to bring people together.
“We would like to have more performers at our events,” Reynolds said. “We want these events to start some music careers for our musicians.”
Reynolds also mentioned a former bar around the area that used to host these events. He recalls attending the events when that bar was open and wanted to bring them back to The Jailhouse.
“There was a bar nearby that had these events, but when it closed, I wanted to bring it back,” Reynolds said. “It’s a great place where locals can show off their talents and have a good time.
Performers love to socialize, have a drink, and of course, play their music at these events. However, performers must be 19 or older to perform at the venue due to alcohol available for purchase.
Maxim Maunz, one of the performers of the event, expressed the venue’s convenience of a friendly environment that gets him coming back for more performances at this bar.
“I like the fact that things here are pretty open,” Maunz said. “People no matter what skill can come here and perform. It’s a pretty welcoming environment.”
Opelika locals love to come to this event and share their music, but the presence of Auburn students isn’t that common. Reynolds wants to clarify that these events want to bring these students an opportunity for them to have a start at their music career.
“Auburn opened up a professional music major, and we wanted to showcase people’s originals and covers. We have a community that welcomes them with open arms so it’s a good opportunity for them.” Reynolds said.
Open Mic Nights are not the only event that the venue hosts. There are many different events that the venue hosts on almost every day of the week. Reynolds oversees what goes on and plans them out every week.
“Almost every single night, except Sunday, there is something going on,” Reynolds said. “Comedy Nights are on Mondays, Full Tilts are on Tuesday, where something different happens, Karaoke Nights are on Fridays, and we host live music on Saturdays.”
Whether someone is trying to get some on-stage experience for the first time in their music career, or just bringing friends to have a good time, The Jailhouse is the perfect place.
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Albert Osorio is a senior from Hoover, Alabama, who is majoring in journalism. He joined The Plainsman in January 2024.
