Fruit Salad: a monthly queer open mic night!

The Martin is thrilled to announce FRUIT SALAD: a monthly queer open mic night! Every third Wednesday of the month, stop by The Martin to get your name on the list or celebrate folks stepping up to the mic and sharing their work plus a feature performer to round out the night! All of this hosted by longtime friend of The Martin, Sarah Thomas!

Sarah is is a queer, Black writer in Chicago. She’s a features contributor to The Onion, and has had word appear in, OkayPlayer, Blavity, and others. Her writing centers around Black sexuality and culture.

Doors + sign up for our open mic will begin at 7pm! Performers of any medium are welcome to sign up for a slot - only eight slots available per night with a 5-7 minute cap each. The Martin has one microphone and amp - performers needing any additional materials for their time are asked to provide them.

October's feature performer is $mallstack$! Robbie Stacks and Jinnie Smalls have been lighting up stages across the city of Chicago and beyond for many years, as leading members of various local music groups. In the Spring of 2021 a series of mysterious freak accidents drew them together much like moths to a flame, and $mallstack$ was born. Their intense painful musical chemistry was apparent from the very beginning, and after overcoming a number of harrowing and treacherous personal obstacles, they've never looked back.

Their sound has been described as "sweet," "soulful," "tangy," and "smooth and creamy on the inside," while their stage presence gives off a distinct sense of drama and illusion which absolutely tickles the senses. $mallstack$ are well known within the scene as that cute and groovy band who will bring a good time every time. They look forward to bringing their unique and seductive musical talents to a stage near you.

Entry is a $5 suggested donation! Donations go back to our feature performer for the evening.

For this event we will also be collecting donations for as we will be across ALL of The Martin's queer Halloween programming throughout the month of October. You're welcome to make a donation upon reserving or at the space.

This event is fully masked and fully vaccinated only! Guests must provide proof of vaccination with an ID upon arrival. The Martin & Split-Rail are both ADA accessible. Guests with any accessibility concerns are encouraged to reach out in advance of the event.

There will be a wine & beer bar for guests 21+. Want to make Split-Rail part of your evening? We recommend making a reservation!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Martin, 2500 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, United States