Musicians at Aqus Cafe

We are a small cafe that has music on Fridays from 6-8pm generally featuring local musicians. We are perfect for a local solo artists or duos and do not generally have large bands as we do not have enough room. We do not charge a cover.

Compensation is $100 plus a 50% discount on all food and drinks. Setup begins at 5 pm.

The kitchen closes at 7 pm, so please order your food beforehand or eat before the gig. The bar remains open until 8pm.

We provide a tip jar or bring your own. It really makes a difference if you have someone to pass it around to audience. You are welcome to bring your own Venmo (or other) QR Code

The cafe can be lively, with the sounds of espresso machines, dishwashers, clinking plates/glasses, and lively conversation—more of a pub vibe than a concert hall - please do not get disappointed if people are talking while you are playing.

Confirmation: One month before your gig, you must confirm the gig via email. Additionally send us the link to a Facebook event, so we can help promote it. Also verify that the gig listing on our calendar is accurate: www.aquscafe.com/calendar.

Sound System: You are welcome to use our PA system, but you'll need to manage it yourself. Scroll down this page.

Announcement: At 6:45pm on gig night, please announce that the kitchen will be closing at 7pm. AND please take a 10 minute set-break at 6:45pm

If you're interested in performing, please complete the form below. We look forward to hosting you.

PA System

Aqus has a house PA system (Yamaha EMX 620) with up to 4 inputs for instruments and microphones. The system is tuned to the house, so bands are highly encouraged to use the installed PA system. Of course you re welcome to bring your own too. We have 2 house microphones with stands and cables.

Aqus does not have a “sound person” to administer the PA, so bands need to have someone who understands and can balance the sound.

How to Turn the Wireless Microphone ON

Step 1: IMPORTANT: Turn everything DOWN – this prevents a PA blowout

  • On the mixer, turn the MASTER volume all the way down.

  • Turn all channel gains down to zero.

Step 2: Power ON the system

  • Flip the red power switch on the yellow power strip behind the mixer.

  • The mixer should light up. 

Step 3: Confirm the mixer and wireless receiver are on

  • Look at the mixer: you should see a green power LED (top right).

  • On top of the mixer, check the wireless mic receiver.

    • Power should be on and the channel should be 3

Step 4: Turn on the wireless microphone

  • On the back of the handheld mic, flip the ON/OFF switch to ON.

  • A red LED should light up.

    • If no red light: Unscrew the mic and replace with two AA batteries

Step 5: Set the wireless mic gain

  • On the mixer, find the channel labeled Wireless Mic.

  • Turn the gain knob to about 1 o’clock.

  • Do not go past the small yellow indicator mark.

 Step 6: Bring up the master volume

  • Slowly turn the MASTER volume up to about 1 o’clock, again stopping near the yellow mark.

 Step 7: Test

  • Speak into the mic. You should hear sound through the speakers.

  • You should see a signal indicator on the wireless receiver showing audio is coming through.

 You’re ready to go.