Les Michaels and Joel Baker Begin New Open Mic Wednesdays at Rock Garden in Palm Desert

For the last three years, singers and audiences have enjoyed the singers who have followed Les Michaels and Joel Baker around the desert for the Cabaret Open Mic nights. These open mics are not your typical open mike - note the difference in spelling? Open mikes are usually associated with singers and songwriters playing guitar and singing their original songs or covers of other singers. A Cabaret Open Mic offer a variety of singers and a variety of music genres from Broadway, Jazz, Opera, Country and The Great American Songbook. An average night draws from 10 to 20 singers, so there is sure to be something for everyone. Joel Baker accompanies them all on piano, which is why they bring sheet music although Joel has memorized and can play most standards in just about any key. The singers range from up-and-coming to seasoned pros with many retired pros that have become like family and have a large following of fans that come to cheer then on.

Les Michaels who hosts the shows, previously presented an open mic in Los Angeles for seven years with some regular singers who went on to be in the finalist on American Idol, X Factor, The Voice, and America's Got Talent, and an even more impressive A List of stars who came regularly to see the shows.

The latest venue for Cabaret Open Mic is Rock Garden Bar and Eatery in Palm Springs, which recently underwent a major remodeling and features a new menu at economy-friendly prices. Shows start every Wednesday at 7:30 PM and go until closing at 10 PM. Singers who wish to perform should arrive at 7 PM to sign up and usually sing two songs each.

Les Michaels and Joel Baker's Live Cabaret Open Mic Night is set for Rock Garden Bar and Eatery, located at 777 S. Palm Canyon Dr. in Palm Desert, Calif., every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM; singers sign up 7 PM. Call 760-327-8840 for dinner reservations.