For the ninth year in a row, Jacksonians have selected Fenian’s Pub for Best Open-Mic Night, but that is not to say it’s business as usual. In July 2018, singer-songwriter Ariel Blackwell became the new host for the local haunt’s Tuesday open-mic.
“It’s been really fun,” Blackwell says. “I’m their first female host. It’s been really exciting to watch people grow because that’s where I started when I started booking gigs—I was playing at Fenian’s open-mic.”
The appeal of the long-running event is its relaxed, encouraging atmosphere, she says, as many in attendance are also performers. Some are acoustic artists, rappers, comedians or even vocalists looking to collaborate with a musician in the audience.
“Plain and simple, just do it,” she says. “All it takes is that one time, and you realize how not scary it is.” —Micah Smith
WINNER: Best Open-Mic Night
Address: 901 E Fortification St Jackson, MS 39202
Phone number: 601-948-0055
Website: http://www.fenianspub.com/