The open mic scene is a relatively niche-filled lane for Athens locals. They have found a home, though, at Donkey Coffee & Espresso on West Washington Street. The coffee shop serves as one of the city’s staples for artists, poets and musicians looking for a platform to channel their self-expression.

The popular coffee shop is typically known for its midday rushes, calm lounging and piercing scent of freshly-brewed coffee bean. Since starting its “Open Mic Night at Donkey” events some years ago, the shop’s also been at the forefront of Athens’ open mic scene.

Tuesday nights on Court Street are typically reserved for non-sticky hardwood floors, unoccupied bathroom stalls and empty seats. Outside “Taco Tuesdays” at Broneys Alumni Bar & Grill, it’s a fairly slow night for most Athens bars.

So, for Red Brick Tavern owner Daniel DeLuca, opting to try something new wouldn’t pose much of a risk.

In place of the empty Tuesday nights at “The Brick,” DeLuca decided to have local bands perform live for the first time in nearly four years on Tuesday.