amateur night

American  

noun

1. an entertainment featuring amateur performers, often in competition for prizes.

2. Informal. an example of or situation marked by flagrant ineptitude.

   Critics say it's been amateur night at the embassy since the new ambassador took over.

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Etymology

Origin of amateur night

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

She eventually turned a flirtation with one of her customers, who worked at the Apollo, into a slot for the Ronettes at its legendary amateur night.

From The Guardian • Dec. 12, 2019

There’s more to stand-up in Harlem than the long-running amateur night at the Apollo Theater, as this celebration aims to demonstrate in the coming week at places such as Under Bar and the Chipped Cup.

From New York Times • Sep. 19, 2019

His father ran music halls and when he was just 16, Stan managed to persuade the owner of Glasgow's Britannia Panopticon to give him a slot during amateur night.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2019

They went from Gary’s annual show to amateur night at Chicago’s Regal Theater, then to Harlem’s famed Apollo.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2018

Then as a one-man band he competed with others at a movie house on amateur night.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith