What is a better palate cleanser than an open mic night?

These often derided and maligned nights of amateur sub-power can sometimes be fun. While often considered in the same non-musical category as karaoke, the open mic can – though not often – transcend the limitations of the forum.

I’ve had some kick-ass times in small snowed-in towns on Karaoke nights, and I’ve also enjoyed some well-planned open mic sessions. It’s true that usually they suck and the only people in the audience are friends, lover or wannabes, but sometimes, an open mic night can transcend the cliché. I’m here to happily report that I’ve run across a new good open mic that sits humbly near North Mountain in the Phoenix Desert Preserve, next to the Pointe Hotel.

It’s hosted at Aunt Chilada’s, an old building usually full of tourists, but on Sunday night, starting around 9 p.m., Aunt Chilada’s kicks out the open mic jams. The first time I walked up to the more than 100-year-old structure, I heard something rare – decent music. As I looked for the entrance to the bar on the huge property, I struggled to place the music. Once I turned a corner near the door it became clear to me, some indie kids were playing a passable version of Neutral Milk Hotel’s “Two-Headed Boy.”

This was very unusual in itself for an open mic, but when they finished the crowd went wild, and I knew I was in for a new kind of open mic experience.

I had been sent there originally by local musician/Aunt Chilada’s bar manager Dan Boise, a fellow I knew from some other musically endowed folks in the north Phoenix area. He is one of a large group of northside players who would rather gather round and have fun with some instruments and mics than stare at their shoes at a stuffy gig.

These folks know how to have fun, and while it is mostly white guys with guitars, I’ve also seen some bad white rap, some good beat box, and some really funny free-form improv.

I guess the main difference is talent and comfort, but the best part for me is the relaxed open vibe. It’s true that a lot of these folks know each other, and in the three times I’ve visited, the crowd size has varied. But I’ve had fun every time. It’s a nice place to kick back after a full weekend, enjoy a three-dollar Bass and have a laugh, pretending Monday never comes.

Dust Jacket’s Conan Zimmerman performs at Aunt Chilada’s
open mic.

I sat at Dust Jacket leader Conan Zimmerman’s house after the open mic and typed some questions for Boise, who later showed up and typed his responses while my buddy Justin Keenen played weird grandma mall music on Conan’s chord and drum machine organ. Here’s what he typed:

JB – Why did you start this thing?
DB – My friend Joe asked me help him put this together. His idea was to get a different kind of crowd than usually comes to hear live music at Aunt Chilada’s. We also wanted to have a very laid back atmosphere and have a “different” kind of open mic, where the artists have more freedom and the audience is very involved.

JB – What is your goal?
DB – My goal is to find talented people who need a place to share their particular talents. My goal each night is to have someone new perform. We never know what to expect which gives every night a personality of its own and we love it that way.

JB – Who is your favorite?
DB – Every week I like someone different. This week I would say Ann stole the show. Last week I really dug Element The Human Beat Box.

JB – Tell me something about the building?
DB – It has a long history dating back to before Arizona was a state. My favorite story is that the building used to be a bar called The Peak and it had a glass ceiling over the bar where scantily clad women would dance. Sadly that was long before I worked there.

JB – One time I was there was some money for the best, is this something you wish to continue?
DB – Every second Sunday of the month there is a cash prize for $75 dollars. The winner is judged by applause and the competition is pretty fierce. It came close to a draw last time but Matt beat out the human beat box in sudden death over time it was thrilling.

The barstaff at Aunt Chilada’s, always ready to hook you up
with $2 domestic drafts and $3 imported drafts.

JB – Why is your open mic better that the others?
DB – Our staff is amazing. The atmosphere is laid back. Our sound guy Wiley is on point and DJ Philthy McNasty is killer.

JB – Do you think that open mic culture is a good way to hook up with other musicians, or just fun?
DB – It’s both. It’s really easy to meet people you have something in common with. What’s more fun than making new friends, drinking and listening to music?

JB – Is there a way to get a less insular crowd?
DB – Every night we see new faces in the crowd and new people on stage. As word gets out about our night the crowd continues to diversify. We have people come from all over the valley.

JB – Tell me your favorite night and moment, and worst moment?
DB – My favorite night was the open mic $75 [contest]. Element and Matt head-to-head. It was inspiring.

JB – What should people know about this gig?
DB – We welcome all forms of expression and we have $2 domestic drafts and $3 imported drafts. We are located between Glendale and Northern off of 16th St. and Morten. [Call] (602) 944-1286 and ask for Dan or Joe.

JB – Do you feel like a tool when you call yourself ‘Dan Boise the ladies choice’?
DB – Yes.

JB – Was last week proof that white folk can’t rap?
DB – I think it was just proof that I shouldn’t quit my day job.

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Aunt Chilada’s
7330 North Dreamy Draw Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85020
(602) 944-1286