Open mics are somewhat related to jam sessions, in that they both see amateur performers being given the opportunity to perform. The difference is that jam sessions often involve musical ensembles, possibly even a house band or rhythm section, and may involve the participation of professional performers.

Open Mics (OM) are generally acoustic guitar-driven singer-songwriter events that welcome other stringed instruments, piano, hand drums, and sometimes drum kits; electric guitars are welcome. Most allow a wide range of genres, but they are geared towards specific themes, such as bluegrass, originals, or jazz.

Open Mics: Involve performing a small setlist in front of a crowd. This is usually a setlist of three songs or 10-15 minutes, and may welcome other performance arts like dance or comedy. Sometimes a free drink is rewarded to the artist. Sometimes the artist may play for longer depending on how busy the night gets.

Several venues also have “jam nights,” a variation on the open mic theme that features a band. Musicians can come up and sing or play songs of their choosing, generally blues or rock, with the band.