The "Michael and Michelle" show at Oddfellows in Hoboken is quickly becoming the hottest ticket in town Sunday nights.
The open mic is hosted by Weehawken musician Michael Werthwein and Bayonne actress Michelle Samarel each week.
Performers must sign up to perform before 8:30 p.m. The event begins at 9 p.m. Werthwein breaks the ice by singing a couple of songs to start things off, and Samarel closes the show with her jazz improvisational songs.
At the Dec. 22 event, Samarel sang a couple Holiday songs with the help of a fellow Oddfellow’s employee. The couple entertained the crowd with their sexy versions of familiar holiday tunes. They stole the show and the crowd of more than 50 people gave them a standing ovation.
"This is an intimate setting where people can do original songs or covers," said Samarel.
"We asked everybody to sing one holiday song for tonight," Werthwein said.
Each performer is allowed a maximum of three songs.
Hoboken resident Alex Sheen performed at Oddfellows for the first time on Dec. 22. He played cover songs by U2, Coldplay and Cheap Trick. Sheen is a member of the New York City band Stretcher. On Jan. 22, Sheen’s band will play Continental in New York.
"I love Hoboken. The open mic allows me to perform in front of a receptive audience," Sheen said. "We are trying to play local and get a gig at Maxwell’s."
Unlike Sheen, Weehawken resident Frank Keilly has been attending the open mic series since it began last summer. An amateur guitarist, Keilly played a Tom Petty tune and a Beatles cover while on stage.
"I come out to practice. I’m starting to play the guitar, and playing in front of people motivates me to get better," Keilly said.
The open mic night is held every Sunday at Oddfellows at 9 p.m. Oddfellows Rest Louisiana Bar and Restaurant is located at 80 River St. in Hoboken. For more information on the event call (201) 656-9009 or visit www.oddfellowsrest.com. q