Ditch the Dread: How OTPH is Redefining Monday Nights

So… it’s Monday. The weekend and all of its whimsical wonders are a distant memory, and you’ve already hit the daily quota of “meh” by 10 a.m. You’ve consumed all the coffee that your bowels can withstand and you’re counting down the hours while staring into the sterile blue light of a screen; maybe even multiple screens. Somewhere in the deep, liminal space of the mind a faint song is beginning to creep to the surface. “What’s this life forrrrrr whoarhhh?”. The existential bellowing of Scott Stapp’s voice is haunting the abandoned backspaces of your brain asking questions far too heavy for a Monday morning — ok, maybe one more cup of coffee.

But Mondays don’t have to be a perpetual bummer. At OTPH we have decided to imbue this disposable day of the week with a sense of lofty purpose and intriguing possibility.

Every Monday, we roll out the red carpet (metaphorically, of course) and hand the mic to the fearless, the talented, and the brave souls who would dare to share their passion with the world. And by “the world,” we mean YOU—the lovely locals and enlightened patrons who adhere to the #publife doctrine. It’s a philosophy that maintains that any night can be something special when you’re surrounded by a group of people who appreciate live music and know how to enjoy a fine beverage. So, prepare to flip the script on Monday, ditch the dread, and elevate your expectations.

Not Just Karaoke With Extra Steps

Let’s get something clear; Open Mic at OTPH is the real deal. This is the place where artists and musicians from all walks of life come together, with no pretense or judgment, to bear their soul for the love of their craft. Whether someone is here to debut an original song, perform an unexpected cover, or jump on stage and collab with another artist; the potential for something magical is practically guaranteed.

If you’ve ever been to one of these nights, you know exactly what we’re talking about. The room is buzzing with raw talent and that rare energy that only happens when an artist takes the stage knowing they have the full support of the crowd and the freedom to experiment. Think of it like a laboratory, with the stage as the petri dish, where every performance drops in an unique ingredient, hopefully not anything too toxic, sparking into existence something fresh and compelling. Will the result bring to life some hideously deformed organism or will it give birth to a radiantly beautiful creation? The unpredictability is part of the appeal!  And that’s what we are about: hosting an environment that cultivates creativity and inspires greatness.

10 Years and Counting

Here’s the thing: OTPH has been hosting Open Mic Nights for over a decade. Even before the pub was established; a group called Bella Love was hosting Open Mic nights at Oak Street Mill while planting roots in downtown Cornelius. That’s right, more than ten years of helping artists hone their craft, discover new fans, and make history right here in Cornelius. So, when we say we’ve seen a lot of talent come through, we’re not exaggerating. From quiet acoustic sets that leave you breathless to raucous, electrified jams that make you want to get up and start fist pumping the air, this place has served as a launching pad for some of the most exciting acts in the area.

And who knows—maybe the next breakout artist will be the one sitting in the back corner, nursing their first pint, waiting for the courage to grab the mic. Or maybe it’ll be you.

More Than Just a Mic

Sure, it’s called Open Mic Night, but it’s about so much more than just the microphone. This is where the magic happens: where artists network, collaborate, and take those first steps toward something bigger. It’s a breeding ground for new connections, fresh ideas, and who knows? Maybe you’ll meet your future bandmates, the person who’ll help you get that next gig, or even discover the future president of your official fan club.

But, hey, even if you’re not getting up on that stage, don’t think for a second that this isn’t for you. If you’re a fan of live music, there’s no better way to spend a Monday night than cheering on local talent and enjoying an array of amazing libations. After all, these artists are your neighbors, your friends, and maybe even your future collaborators. So grab a drink, settle in, and be ready to witness some serious talent.

Why Wait?

So, are you in? Whether you’re here to perform, support, or just soak in the vibe, OTPH’s Open Mic is where you want to be. It’s a Monday night ritual that doesn’t just kickstart your week, it will supply you with the kind of moments that can actually make Monday something to look forward to. To be honest, it may even go a long way towards answering some of life’s biggest questions like – “What’s this life for?” 

It’s quite possible the answer looks a lot like getting on stage, stepping up to the mic, and boldly sharing your song with a room full of friends at your local pub.