
Pass the bar or pass the mic!
12 artists compete. 3 Judges critique and narrow down our top 5. Judging is then turned over to the audience. $1,400 in prizes and the right to headline the next months Showcase.
The Bar Exam is Atlanta's definitive open-mic showcase & competition and one of the cities biggest! 16 artists battle for The Bar Exam crown before an industry panel of judges. Ultimately, you the audience decide if they #PassTheBar or #PassTheMic
The nations best emcees, poets, and singers are being discovered right here in Atlanta. The Bar Exam brings the excitement; inspiration, anticipation, humor and heart break from the likes of American Idol and puts it in front of a live audience. The Bar Exam is the place to develop your craft, showcase your talents, and network with like-minded people and industry professionals.



Past Judges
Producers: 2X Grammy winner Focus, Mr. Hanky (T.I California), Black Metaphor (Rick Ross), Smitti Boi (Lil Boosie), Go Grizzly (3x in a row), Sean Pen of The Exclusives (August Alsina)
Managment: Nick Love (Grand Hustle), Joso (Twelve Music Group), Kash Johns (Winners Circle), Chris Patterson (Wonderland Records)
Journalists: Maurice Garland (XXL), Yohance Collins (AllHipHop.Com), Tai Saint Boogie (Vibe Magazine), Laura Martinez (The Shade Room), Brandon LSK (ABL radio)
Past featured artists have included
SyAri Da Kid (Cash Money), RaRa (Grand Hustle) Supastition, J-Live, Def Poetry poets Georgia Me, Red Storm & Abyss, Singer/Violinist Angelina Sherie
MEDIA SPONSORS
Djsdoingwork.com, Realrappromo.net, Schweinbeck.com, atlhiphop.com, deadendhiphop.com, Whycauseican.com, Southernhollywood.com, bootslap.com, heartlandhiphop.com, Culture 73, Mad Fresh Daily, A2BAYHipHop.Com,
About the venue:
Nestled next to the iconic Olympic torch of I-75 behind The Varsity off North Avenue and Spring St. in downtown Atlanta, this diamond in the rough has been a staple in the art and music community for over a dozen years. Eclectic art drape the walls and live music ranging from jazz, funk, soul , spoken word and Hip-Hop paint the room every night giving this place a unique sense of creative euphoria unlike anywhere else.
Full menu
Full Bar
Check out the Apache Cafe website
FAQs
How many songs do i perform?
One song. But, artists are put together in groups of 4 and each group represents a round. When each round starts we start that round off with a cypher for that group so have at least 16-24 bars or an impromptu hook ready to perform as well.
What is a "show version" of my performance track that is being requested of me
We ask artists to email their show track ahead of time to thebarexamopenmic@gmail.com. A "show version" is simply a verion of the track that does not have the lead vocal on it. Hooks and Ad-libs or backing vocals are ok.
Where do i send my show track?
thebarexamopenmic@gmail.com
What format is accepted for my show track?
MP3 ONLY.
Can i change my track selection the night of?
No.
What if i do not have a hi resolution press photo to send you?
We can arrange a short photo shoot for $40 at or around Apache Cafe. Please email thebarexamopenmic@gmail.com for that request.
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
18+
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Parking is available on the street (free after 9pm), Paid lot behind the club (pay the machine), parking garage on Spring St.
Marta: The North AVE stop is just a block away from Apache Cafe (Marta stop for The Varsity)
UBER and LYFT are great options too
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
thebarexamopenmic@gmail.com
Is my artist registration or general admission ticket transferrable?
Because slots are limited to 16 artists to compete, refunds are not available 72 hours before the event. If a transfer request for an artist is made before that time via email then that artist can be transfered to the next month. General admission refunds or transfers must follow the same guidelines.