It’s just past nine pm on a Sunday evening and there’s an electric hum of anticipation. Tonight, is not just any night — it’s Open Mic Night, the weekly ritual where seasoned musicians and brave first-timers come together, guitars slung over their shoulders, voices warmed up and ready to fill the room. The atmosphere crackles with a unique energy, a heady mix of nerves and excitement that has everyone buzzing.
Master of Ceremonies Juanda, originally from Ecuador, has been chatting to musicians for the past 30 minutes, welcoming back familiar faces and chatting with newcomers to find out what they plan on doing. “There’s no set genre. We get a bit of everything.”
Says one musician, who plays regularly: “Juanda is a very accommodating and approachable host, is happy to sound check you if you arrive early, and will explain how the night works very well. All instruments and styles are welcome and the musicians present are very adaptable to the eclectic offerings.”
“I get the ball rolling, by starting to sing,” says Juanda, who’s worth coming to see even if nobody else were to perform. “I’ll do anything from Bad Bunny to The Police. And I’lI sing until other people get up – and then I go have a break! People will do two or three songs and then we all join in, in a jam session.”
“I’ve been at the helm for nine years now,” says Juanda between songs, though Agua Bar has been hosting these widely popular sessions since the bar opened its doors nearly 20 years ago. There’s a cool gritty vibe in this denlike bar a stone’s throw from Palma’s medieval Llotja. The boat-shaped bar counter hints at the district’s nautical past, the peeling concert and gig posters on the walls (from Seventies-era Springsteen to The Clash to Grateful Dead), speak of the current venue’s mission. Pulling pints of Guinness behind the bar is affable co-owner Lee, from the US.
This evening’s talent includes performers Antonio, José, Patrick, Orion, Izzy, Leo and Joaquín from places as diverse as Spain, Australia, the US and South America and they showcase diverse beats, a veritable cross-generational jukebox of classic hits as well as original compositions. There’s Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Marley and even Rick Astley. There’s a sense of camaraderie here that’s palpable, a shared understanding that tonight, it’s not about perfection but about expression, connection, and the joy of making music together. There’s an especially warm welcome – and round of rousing applause – for first-timer Izzy, a violinist and singer-songwriter from LA.
“I found the vibe at Agua Bar to be cozy, comfortable and welcoming thanks to the people and the bartender,” says Izzy after his jaw-dropping virtuoso violin solo. “The level of talent of the musicians who attend the open mic is very high beginning with the host, Juanda, who is a talented singer and guitarist, in addition to being the night’s sound operator.”
For those in two minds about joining in, Izzy says: “I really felt welcomed and keyed right into the vibe. The crowd was big and engaging, so as a musician it’s great to have that. Everybody here is nice and open. If you’re here just to watch, you’re going to see a ton of great musicians from all over the world jam and have a great time together. Language barriers are not a barrier to a good time at this bar and Open Mic Night. All in all, it’s a great experience for the musicians and the audience.”
