History

This open mic started around the year 2010, having developed from occasional sessions at the then newly opened "Napa" in Malá Strana. The owner being an old friend of ours, we hung out at this minimalistically furbished new joint that still smelled like wet paint, while he was waiting for business to kick in. That was to be expected quite soon because he was Glen Emery, the legendary pioneer among expat Prague publicans, founder of Jo's Bar, Thirsty Dog, The Iron Door, Bukowski's and others. Glen loved music and was happy to see us enjoying ourselves jamming, getting better, and of course eventually driving some business to his bar. Open mics where quite rare in Prague back then, and as to Mala Strana, this was the first one. When he sold it a few years later, the new owners not only kept the event, but even opened an additional bar in the basement dedicated to live music events. As to the open mic, it went on, with changing hosts, until the summer of 2025. The original founders, artist Honza Blažičaek and journalist George Pacurar, still play together once in a while, with George hosting the Prague (Underground) open mic weekly at the Symbiont pub since September 2025. 

Local regulars and visiting musicians

If you're a musician visiting Prague, then the local open mics are ideal places to meet fellow performers. These events are held on almost every night of the week all over the city, with popular ones being at Žižkovšiška Gallery & Event Center, Vzorkovna, Kukmal Hilda, and The Globe bookstore and café. For up-to-date info, you might want to join this Facebook group dedicated to Prague open mics and jam sessions. 

Compared to these venues, the Symbiont is smaller, more intimate and with a very flexible approach (no previous registration required, dual sets possible, discounts on drinks for performers, can go past the Prague official closing time for live music at 10 pm). The only downside, if you consider it one, is the limited space and minimalist equipment, which makes it difficult for more than two musicians playing together. If you' re a solo performer, you' ll love the atmosphere and the excellent sound of the AER acoustic combo.

While most participants are regular performers, we get some amazing visitors, including professionals and recording artists. We had the Italian singer-songwriters Peppe Voltarelli and Andrea Brunini joining in when on tour in Central Europe, Adrian Stout of The Tiger Lillies playing bass and his spooky singing saw, and the eccentric Japanese avantguarde trio Piemonteruno, to name a few. Prague singer-songwriter Jakub Daš, Argentine tango master Juan Carlos Vivas, Blues expert Noe Cortés, nd the wonderfully talented Archie "Lennon" Noble are among the regular participants that make the open mic nights special. 

Hosts and regulars