Local band Fall On Purpose hosts Fortunato´s open mic night. In an interesting twist of logistics, the stage actually surrounds the front door, making it impossible to sneak out while also drawing in a variety of people from the street. Thanks to the proximity of USF´s St. Pete campus, the crowd consists of mostly college kids (and, by default, the music leans toward Dave Matthews covers), but there is a nice mix of blues, folk and Phish-inspired jams throughout the night. A small, dark room without being claustrophobic, Fortunato´s has a Prohibition-era speakeasy vibe. You don´t now what you´re going to get, but you know it´s gonna be good.
There´s no ¨official¨ sign up sheet at the Dunedin Brewery; you just show up, ask for Chris, and he´ll jot you down on a first come, first served basis. If you´re not ready to play, he simply goes to the next person in line, and when they finish he´ll come back to you. Repeat until everybody plays or the place closes. Since the Brewery regularly hosts bands, it has a killer sound system, and Chris knows how to make you sound good even if your songs suck. It´s a relaxing, laid back atmosphere; like sitting at a house party with a cool jam session happening.
Both open mics kick off Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. and provide a full backline (although Dunedin steps it up with a bongo set). Each establishment gives you a 20-minute set to either wow or disgust your audience. Both have quality beer selections (no booze though). And both have a low-pressure atmosphere and provide an exceptionally good time.
Fortunato´s After Dark, 263 Central Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-898-4882; Dunedin Brewery, 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606, www.dunedinbrewery.com.
This article appears in Sep 22-28, 2004.