WARREN — On Friday night at the Coffee Depot, it’s jam time.

After Bristol residents Cathy and Manny Perry started a regular Friday night open mic session in Warren’s popular downtown coffee haunt, a slow build has been brewing for about three years drawing musicians from all over New England.

Last Friday night, musicians from Stoneham and Mansfield made the trek to perform during the weekly open mic. For them, the drive is a non-issue. They travel throughout the Northeast, many times stopping in Cambridge, in search of venues to play their original material.

“If you’re really into it, you’ll travel just about anywhere to play,” said Jake Garrels, a blues guitarist.

The stage is set at about 7 p.m. The audio equipment is hooked up and ready to amp up musicians’ acoustic chords. Adults meander among tables, talking and laughing amongst patrons knitting or munching on scones. A paper peace sign hangs from a rafter and dangles close to a window.

And then Mr. Perry, the first performer, takes the stage and plays a quick 10-minute set. He said he would play more, however, the list is jam-packed with performers looking to play their tunes. Performance time is coveted.

Originally, the Perry’s set up an open mic in Cafe La France in Bristol. They built up a thriving membership list through advertising in the Providence Journal and Bristol Phoenix, kept up e-mails reminding the rhythmically inclined to come, then changed locations a few years ago. It was a successful move because the couple maintained contact with the regular performers, said Ms. Perry.

“We meet all these people, it always changes. We had over 100 performers,” said Ms. Perry.

What keeps the musicians coming back, she said, is the sense of camaraderie. An open mic is a nice alternative to bars, where it’s harder to hear the music.

“There’s a lot of noise going on in bars. But here, it can get really quiet. Sometimes you can hear a pin drop,” said Ms. Perry.

For newer, less experienced performers, a quiet setting can calm nerves that are jittery with anticipation, she said.

One of the youngest regulars, eight-year-old guitar player Thatcher Harrison, has been performing at the open mic for years. The Perry’s said the young musician has learned how to refine his craft at the Coffee Depot. He played “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” by Jim Croce. After he stepped off the stage, he received a loud round of applause.

But while the atmosphere is relaxed, there are rules to a good open mic. According to Ms. Perry, musicians are not allowed to take more time than allowed - about 15 minutes per each set. Musicians typically play about three songs or one really long one, she said.

But no matter the day or however long the performance list, Ms. Perry said it’s worthwhile to take time out of her day to watch a good acoustic set.

“When I’m stressed out, I listen to the music and think, what was I worried about?” she said.