Open Arts Exhibition 

Given that there are seemingly a bazillion weekly open-mic nights in these parts and that there is already a handful spanning the area that are well-established, it is a tough task to try to get a new one going. To do so, organizers must make their new open-mic night stand out among the others. They must make it look big, provide some reason for folks to trust it, and show that they have something unique to offer, that they are doing something new with the open-mic format.

The Funky Biscuit (303 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton) is doing a pretty good job at that. To begin with, its weekly event is not an "open mic" but rather an Open Arts Exhibition that welcomes "all artists" to sign up -- especially musicians, poets, and comedians (kinda like open-mic nights). To add some pro-energy, some credentials to the night, the Biscuit has recruited semifamous comedian Richy Lala to play host -- which is key. A skilled host is central to the vitality of an open mic -- err, Open Arts Exhibition. The host can help the night regain its stride if an act bombs and take it even higher when things are rolling along well. To top it off, there will be biscuits -- a unique element indeed in the open-mic scene. Signup starts at 8 p.m. Monday, and the show starts at 8:30. Admission is free. Call 561-281-4002, or visit richylala.com. — By Travis Newbill

Price: Free