A Tale of 2 Open Mics, Las Vegas

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7 hours ago
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Open Mics, Las Vegas

A Tale of 2 Open Mics, Las Vegas. Looking for an Open Mic in Las Vegas? Starbase Has Two Worth Checking Out

In July, we were invited to attend two very different open mics, both held at the same venue. Starbase, a unique creative space just off the Las Vegas Strip, has been home to open mic events before, including Hella Expressions. Now, it's quickly becoming a hub for local artists with two recurring monthly experiences that each serve a different purpose: Pass the Aux and Uncharted. Both events give artists a chance to perform original work, while also bringing something unique to the Las Vegas music community.

Photos by Darian Smith, Jr.

Pass the Aux

Pass the Aux was created by Keith Harris, Grammy Award-winning drummer and producer for the Black Eyed Peas. Originally launched out of his own home, the concept was simple: artists would gather, names would be drawn, and those selected had the opportunity to "pass the aux" by performing or playing one original song.

As the event continued to grow, moving to Starbase opened the door for a larger audience and a venue built for live performance.

What separates Pass the Aux from a traditional open mic is its focus on artist development and industry access. Performers are encouraged to purchase a membership that connects them with industry professionals, networking opportunities, and even the chance to perform as a featured artist backed by a live band that learns their original music. It's less about simply getting on stage and more about building a career alongside other serious musicians.

Photos by Kevin Youngblood

Uncharted

Uncharted is a little more traditional in format, but no less valuable. Created by artists Phillip Wolf and Moment, Uncharted gives musicians a welcoming space to test out new material, build confidence, and connect with the local creative community. Artists arrive, sign up, and hope their name gets drawn to perform. Admission is free with RSVP before 8 p.m., making it an easy event for both performers and supporters to attend.

One of the event's most unique touches is that hosts Phillip Wolf and Moment briefly interview each artist before or after their performance, giving the audience a chance to learn more about the person behind the music. In addition to the open mic portion, Uncharted also features two spotlight artists each month who perform longer sets, adding even more variety to the evening.

Which One Should You Attend?

The answer is... probably both.

Although they're both open mics, they serve different purposes. Pass the Aux leans toward mentorship, networking, and professional development, while Uncharted focuses on community, discovery, and giving artists a comfortable place to share new work.

Whether you're looking for industry connections, honest feedback, or simply another stage to sharpen your craft, Starbase is quietly becoming one of the most important homes for original music in Las Vegas.

Event Information

Pass the Aux

Every 3rd Thursday of the month
$20 one-time membership
$35 and $55 premium artist membership options with additional benefits (a worthwhile investment for music artists)

Uncharted