By Delaney Crawford
Sunday nights just got a whole lot louder in Somers Point! Gregory’s is now hosting an open mic jam, giving local talent a stage to shine while music lovers kick back with a drink and soak in the good vibes of their favorite bar, discovering new favorite artists along the way.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a first-time performer, or just someone who loves live music, Sunday afternoons at Gregory’s are calling your name. The vibe is laid-back, the crowd is welcoming, and you never know who might hop on stage next. So come in this Sunday, grab a seat, order your favorite drink, and get ready for an afternoon of great tunes, good company, and the kind of Sunday energy that makes Monday feel a little less intimidating.
For the past four Sundays now, Gregory’s dining room has transformed into the place to be. The Open Mic Jam runs every Sunday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., inviting anyone to take the stage and try their hand at the song of their choice. All you have to do is show up, sign up, and get ready to shine. The best part is that each brave performer will be backed by a live three-piece band. In the game for a while, these three know how to rock and can jam with anyone.
Drummer Tom Angello runs the show, making sure there’s always a top-notch three-piece band ready to support the local talent. With Angello on drums, Jay Laubauskas on bass, and Don Shough on guitar, whatever song you bring to the table, they’ve got it covered and will make for the perfect dream jam team.
The afternoon kicks off with the band playing solo for the first half hour, giving everyone a chance to settle in, grab a drink or two, and enjoy some bites to eat. Once the vibes are high and the music is flowing, the band starts calling up the brave individuals who signed up.
Everyone who signed up will get to perform two songs with the band, making it a perfect chance to shake off stage fright and step into the spotlight. Whether you’re an amateur, a longtime musician, or just someone looking to have a little fun, this is your chance to shine.
“We were looking for something to do on Sunday afternoons now that football is done,” said owner Walter Gregory. “We know another local spot does something like this, but it’s a late-night thing. And us being older gentlemen, we wanted something during the day.”
And Gregory was clearly onto something with that thought. There’s just something about a Sunday afternoon filled with live music, young musicians finding their groove, and the unbeatable combo of great food and drinks at Gregory’s. The Open Jam isn’t just a chance to perform, it’s a place to connect, be inspired, and keep the weekend vibes going strong all Sunday long.
Now entering its fifth week, the Open Jam has already seen great success. Gregory said it’s a fun way for people to fill their Sunday afternoons while supporting a local spot. Held in the dining room side of the bar, the event comes with its own bartender and access to the full lunch and dinner menu, making it a perfect mix of food, drinks, and music.
“We’ve been getting a rotating crowd. At any given time, there are usually 35 to 45 people in the room,” Gregory shared. “It’s just good fun, and everyone’s loving it so far.”
With summer on the horizon, Gregory’s is taking the event week by week, hoping to keep the momentum going for a few more months before reevaluating in June. One thing’s for sure: when football season returns at the end of August, the open mic will take a break—but if it continues to thrive, expect to see it back next year.
“We get a lot of people coming in with their whole families,” Gregory said. “They’ll sit down, and then a younger kid with them will get up there and play while the whole family watches, enjoying the music, food, and drinks. It’s almost like a growing opportunity for young musicians.”
So, if you’re looking for a way to keep the weekend vibes going a little longer, Gregory’s Open Mic Jam is the place to be. Stepping up to the mic or just kicking back with a drink, the mix of live music, good company, and laid-back energy makes for the perfect Sunday afternoon. With each week bringing fresh faces and new talent, there’s always something, or someone, worth hearing. Stop by, sign up, and see for yourself why this Sunday jam session is quickly becoming a local favorite.
