I am very pleased that I managed to find quickly, and make it to, this open mic, which I have been told – rightly or wrongly – is the only one in Mexico City. Hosted by expats Chris/Monty, of England, and Jairus, of Oklahoma, this Black Horse “open mic acoustic sessions” may be an expat open mic in the middle of a Latin sprawling city in the south of North America, but the flavor is definitely Mexican. It seemed last night that – happily – none of the people serving or running the bar spoke English, and a lot of the spectators were Mexican too. The beer was sufficiently Mexican, and the meal I had was Mexican too.
Organizers getting it together at Black Horse open mic in Mexico
But the troopers who run this open mic forged onwards, and thank goodness they did, because it turned into a fabulous evening with lots of musicians. I was told that it was actually a quiet night by comparison with the usual deal, so I’m almost happy I did NOT turn up on a regular kind of night – I’d have been allowed to play two songs, no doubt, and not the four I fit in.
Started around three months ago by Chris and Jairus because there were no other open mics in Mexico City that they knew of, this place has become a magnet very quickly to all the talented musicians – mostly expat from what I see – who needed an outlet. I’m still thinking there MUST be some jamming places that many of the Mexican musicians congregate at, but I’ve not found anything yet. And in the meantime, this Black Horse is a real winner.
Third at Black Horse
Located, as I said, in a very hip neighbourhood of bars and restaurants, and some fine residences, it is the perfect venue for an open mic, with its stage and listening room at the back and on one side of the venue, and the bar on the other side, but still open to the stage, so it can attract listeners when the musician is irresistible.
Second at Black Horse
In any case, I’m walking on air for having found this place in only my second night in Mexico City, and hoping there will be at least one more discovery before I leave on Monday. In the meantime, if you’re ever in Mexico City, or if you care to drive from one end of North America to the other to check this open mic out, it’s worth it. A classic, and the right vibe and open-arm attitude!
Last at Black Horse
Follow @BradSpurgeon
First at Black Horse
Cool one at Black Horse
Banjo at Black Horse
Another duet at Black Horse