Like an open mic, but more like a gig! Jilly’s is launching OPEN STAGES in 2026 to support and promote the local music scene by providing – and supporting – a platform for artists to showcase their skills.

WHAT: We’re opening our stage on (most) Wednesday nights to artists and bands who want to hone their craft on stage in front of an audience; work on stage presence and banter, try out new material, have a live practice, make connections. All styles, genres and levels welcome. Unlike an open mic, JILLY’S OPEN STAGES is more like a gig. AND – we’re offering venue support.

VENUE SUPPORT. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? 1. You don’t have to haul (all of) your gear. Our house backline will be set for you to use (see details below). 2. We provide professional house sound, lighting and a live sound engineer. 3. We provide – in addition to what you’ll be doing – promotional support (website, e-blasts, socials, radio spot mentions) for your appearance. 4. We’re going to pay you (30% of sales during your time slot).

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO? Send us your info & sign-up using THIS FORM. Check the CALENDAR. Choose three date options and a time slot. Complete the form. Upload materials. Hit submit. We’ll lock it in and email you to confirm. Please DO NOT drop in, call, message through socials. Use the form.

CAN WE JUST SHOW UP AND PLAY? No. Performers for OPEN STAGES will be pre-selected using the submitted forms and materials, and scheduled.

MORE DETAILS: There are three 45-minute time slots each night. Yes – you can choose more than one time slot and play longer if you’d like.

WE’RE UNDER 21 – CAN WE STILL PERFORM? Yes – but if you are under 18, you must bring a parent and you may only choose the 7:15PM time slot. Your friends aren’t 21 either. Can they come see you play? If they are younger than 18, they need to bring a parent too.

HOUSE BACKLINE: In addition to all of the house PA & stage gear (mics, stands, cables, DI’s, monitors, speakers, etc), we’ll have our backline set so you don’t have to haul all of your gear. Our backline includes: Tama Imperialstar 5-piece Drum Kit, Fender Rumble 100 1×12 Bass Combo Amp, Fender Blues Jr Guitar Amp, Fender 65R Guitar Amp, and a Blackstar 60TVP Guitar Amp.

QUESTIONS? Email us at booking@jillysmusicroom.com.

MORE ABOUT US: Jilly’s Music Room is a live music venue in downtown Akron, Ohio. We have been in operation since 2013, providing a unique and vibrant space for music lovers of all genres to come together and enjoy live performances. We are passionate about bringing the joy of live music to our community and have always believed in the power of music to inspire and connect people. 

Jilly’s features a stage with state-of-the-art house sound system, professional engineers and lighting, a full-service bar, dedicated gluten free kitchen, and a comfortable seating area to create an immersive experience for our guests. We offer a diverse, multi-genre lineup of local, regional, national and international acts, including bands, solo artists, jazz orchestras, theater groups and comedians. We aspire to support and promote the local music scene by providing a platform for artists to showcase their skills and a gathering place for people to socialize, relax, and enjoy themselves. Whether you’re a music enthusiast looking for a night out or an artist looking for a venue to perform, Jilly’s Music Room is the place to be. Please visit our website, https://www.jillysmusicroom.com, for more information.

Performers include Tyler Hawes and a different featured artist every month. 

The featured artist builds a set on a theme of their choice, then writes a brand new original song inspired by that theme. I also write an original song inspired by the artists theme, but then build a different set with a different mystery theme that also fits my new original song. The audience must guess my mystery set theme, and whoever guesses correctly first gets to choose a word or phrase that I must include in my original song at the next show.

No cover. All seats FCFS.