Four Great Open Mic Night Venues in Kingsport, TN

Dotted across the Kingsport region in Tennessee are some great venues where you can kick back, enjoy some tasty food and listen to some of the area’s best music. Here are a few not-to-be-missed restaurants that support local artists and feature open mic nights.

1. The Woodstone Deli

There are a few good reasons to visit The Woodstone Deli. First, their burger is listed as one of the best burgers in town. Second, owner Jeremy Jones has a big heart. He’s well-known for giving back to the community, and you’ll even find a Give Back Meal. It’s a $5 sandwich and if you pay more than the price, the extra money goes toward helping those less fortunate.

The third reason is for the varied live music. Wednesday night is open mic night featuring music across various genres, plus you get a basket of wings for only $5. The restaurant welcomes up-and-coming talent, so if you’d like a spot on open mic night, get in touch with the manager.

2. The Acoustic Coffeehouse

If you venture 30 minutes out of Kingsport, you’ll find The Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City. Locals and visitors alike thoroughly enjoy the relaxed vibe at this venue. It’s nothing much from the outside and not in the best area, but patrons love the atmosphere, the eclectic mix of people, and the great local talent which tends to lean towards folk music. There’s also a nice patio space out back, which is dog and smoking friendly.

The name may be a bit misleading, as it has more of an unfussy live music bar feel than coffee house feel to it. Beer lovers will appreciate the wide sampling of locally brewed beer.

3. The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Also called the living room of Johnson City, its easy style is incredibly welcoming. There’s a delightful reading corner with armchairs, bookcase, and coffee table. This place is a popular student hangout, with many tapping away at their laptops while downing a latte. It’s colorful, quirky, and reminiscent of bygone hippy days.

Here, you’ll find an owner deeply dedicated to encouraging the exposure of local musicians and bands. This place is perfectly suited to indie music. You might feel as if you’re at an indie venue in San Francisco. So sit back and relax – the coffee is superb and they also serve the best chai tea around these parts.

4. Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

If you’re hankering for some country and bluegrass music, you’ll have to drive just a little further to Elizabethton 40 minutes away. For a pizza joint, it’s confusingly country, but it works. They’ve snagged the title of best pizza in town, and folks rave about the salad bar as well.

The music lineup rocks with downtown country on Tuesdays, open mic on Wednesdays, and karaoke on Thursdays. If you’re interested in performing, contact them via their Facebook page. If they end up offering you a regular gig, you’ll get listed on the website with your own individual event page.

Tennessee’s music heritage shines through even in its small towns. If you’re passing through, make sure to stop at any of these restaurants and support the local music scene.

Image by freestocks-photos from Pixabay 

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