MetroWorcester Venues Including Worcester's Largest Suburb - Boston, Also - Greater New England And The Roads Leading Here... See The Note On  Music For Robin  Below

Worcester, Paris of the '00's...

The Green Rooster, 6 Institute Road, at the United Congregational Church, (508) 798-3010 booked by Chuck Demers - it's a very comfortable setting with excellent sightlines and sound, and a congenial atmosphere. Refreshments are sold by a non profit as a fund raiser. The room works and has the potential to be a truly great venue. The Rooster holds 100-160 depending on setup of tables and chairs. There is typically a feature performer and an opening act, though some nights there may be artists on a "co-bill." The Rooster is a true listening room with an often diverse house in terms of age and background. Folks in town trust Chuck's taste and come with open ears to hear artists without regard to genre.

The Java Hut - 1073 Main Street, (508) 752-1678, A comfortable (couches) and intimate listening room and cafe with works by local artists displayed on the walls. The schedule includes - Thursday night open mic (music with some spoken word) hosted by Patty Keough, Saturday afternoon Jazz Jam, Saturday night Feature, and Sunday & Monday night Poetry/Spoken Word Open Mic & Readings. Roberta invites you to come in and sample her decadent desserts, fresh ground "Ultimate" coffee, and homemade soups and sandwiches.

Cafe Fantastique, inside Rotman's Furniture, 725 Southbridge Street, booked by Troy Tyree of Word Of Mouth Productions (Troy is the originator of New Traditions on WCUW) - an unusual setting for music, this is a quality venue where the artist is treated well. The Cafe has attracted a talented group of performers and will likely expand the number of available dates. The calendar as well as a photograph of the venue can be viewed on the Rotman's web site. I know this sounds unusual, but it's a fine venue, and hey - if you owned a large, cool furniture store, wouldn't you do the same?

The Plantation Club - Plantation Street - (508) 752-4666, Wednesday open mic with featured performer, music from many genres other nights.

The Above Club - 266 Park Avenue - (508) 752-2211 - over a great Thai restaurant, varied genres, interesting room.

Tammany Hall - 43 Pleasant Street, (508) 791-6550 has started having solo acts in their smaller room - the larger room for bands.

Gilrein's - 802 Main Street, (508) 791-2583, legendary blues bar and club - live blues, jazz and roots music Wednesday through Sunday -  802 Main Street, Worcester MA 01610 -  Phone/Fax (508) 791-BLUE (791-2583) or email - for directions click here - and be sure to check out The Gilrein's Calendar.

The Blue Plate Lounge, 661 Main Street, Holden MA 01520, has a long history of being many things to the many people in the town of Holden. It has been in continuous operation and under the same family management since the repeal of Prohibition. A cozy roadhouse cafe style building, the food business has evolved into a workday lunch operation from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM with a full bar that operates from 9:00 AM until 1:00 AM. Lunch is served up hot and fast to accommodate a working person's limited lunch time period with daily specials, soup and a good variety of sandwiches and burgers all very reasonably priced.  The atmosphere is very casual and as such is where many residents come for their after hours recreation. A full Mass Lottery operation, two televisions for sports viewing, a pinball machine and an electronic golf machine keep our patrons amused. We have one of the most unique CD juke boxes in the area, filled with the latest music, customer requests and several CD's by Blue Plate Lounge veteran performers.  The music operation was long headed up by the late CO-owner Paul "Tiny" Stacy. Well known and popular on the Worcester music scene, Tiny provided a venue that was open to all. With his many friends in the entertainment industry, he presented such diverse talents as political activist and antiwar singer/songwriter Country Joe MacDonald, the country / western / rock band with that high lonesome sound, The New Riders of the Purple Sage, beat poet Lawrence Ferlingetti and '60's radical activist / poet Wavy Gravy. Acts have run the gamut from a Russian poet to a 16 piece swing band doing two months worth of Tuesday nights to get ready for a cruise ship season. Lastly but most importantly, The Blue Plate stage has become a debut venue for many local talents. The more successful include The Preston/Porter Band, Southpaw, Zonkaraz, The Trailers and others. With his untimely demise in 1994, Tiny's efforts to promote local musicians obviously ceased. Almost a full year passed before the staff put its heads together and figured out that we were capable of carrying on in his tradition. After a false start and time to regroup, we forged ahead with a program of welcoming just about anyone to our stage. In time it became apparent that we had to refine things a bit. This current season we have finally seen our efforts really pay off.
The live music operation has grown in the past year to include three venues:
               (1) Friday Nite Live @ The B P U (university of musical diversity)
               (2) The Blue Plate Saturday Nite Special
               (3) The Blue Plate Lounge Sunday Solo Concert Series
The Friday Nite Live venue is our most mature, operating mid September through the early part of June for the past six years. We have primarily featured R&R, classic rock and blues artists with some convenient divergence to allow for variety. The Saturday night venue was new this season to provide additional time for the growing list of local talent clamoring for stage time. The Sunday concert series was also new and intended to address the schedule needs of some of our long time favorites whose life styles no longer allowed them to play out at night. It has also become the place for our newer artists to get some exposure individually or in small group acoustic presentations and has also been used as a folk and spoken word artist venue. All told we present 8 or 9 shows per month at this time.   In all cases, the artists are compensated by the patrons, not the business. Friday and Saturday night artists set their own cover charge which runs anywhere from $1 to $8, the average being about $5. We staff the door person position to insure that our ID check policy is adhered to and this person collects the artists' money. The Sunday concerts are done for tips and we do everything we can to remind our patrons that this is the situation.  The whole county, especially the artists group, has taken notice of our return to a foremost position in showcasing local live music talents. We post a new set of show reviews and an updated calendar every week to NewEnglandRock.com and Wormtown.org. We even assist our artists with posters for both on and off site, in most cases for free and are looking into providing "handbills to go" for those with extended posting requirements. We email a weekly newsletter to our patrons. Artists, promoters and fans alike can send their e mail address to us and request to be added to our e mail list. We will e mail our Blue Plate Lounge Weekly Music Newsletter and special notices to anyone who requests this.  Our listings and related information can be found on our web site and in the Time Out section of The Worcester Telegram and Gazette, the local happenings portion of the Holden Community Crier and Worcester Magazine's music and club section.  The Blue Plate Lounge encourages anyone who wants to receive their Weekly Music Newsletter and periodic special entertainment notices to send their e mail address to: blueplatelounge@aol.com.

The Poetry Oasis, located at Cool Bean's Restaurant, 99 Green Street, is a spoken word venue that is open to all who enjoy reading and listening.   Works read in the open readings that precede each feature can be, but not limited to, original work.  For someone who has never read in public, a favorite author helps one get comfortable speaking in front of people.  Fiction and non-fiction is acceptable as long as it keeps to the time limit.  All our feature readers (see schedule) are selected for the caliber of their material and involvement with the poetry community. We pass the hat for donations that go to the feature reader.  We have had such illustrious readers as Elizabeth KcKim, Charles Coe, John Hodgen and Patricia Fargnoli. The Poetry Oasis takes place the FIRST and THIRD Sunday of each month at 11:30 am (signup begins at 11:00 am).  Parking in the lot across the street from the restaurant and on the street.  Wheelchair accessible.   A full listing of Worcester area poetry events is available on the Oasis web site.

The Plantation Club - Plantation Street - (508) 752-4666, Wednesday open mic with featured performer, music from many genres other nights.

The Above Club - 266 Park Avenue - (508) 752-2211 - over a great Thai restaurant, varied genres, interesting room.

Worcester Phoenix- Entertaiment, Art, and Culture - club listings.

Worcester Telegram & Gazette- local paper, web site site can have entertainment information.

Worcester's "Burbs..."

The Bull Run Restaurant, Route 2A, in Shirley, MA, (978) 425-4311, twenty-five minutes northeast of Worcester, is a pre-Revolutionary War Inn (with some "newer" rooms, too..) - the concert series schedule features national and regional talent, a mix of folk, blues, rock, country, jazz and world music. George Tocci books the room - send press kits to  his attention to: Bull Run Restaurant  P.O. Box 1228,  Shirley, MA  01464 - the venue has a brand new PA system and on staff publicity and marketing people who are working to get the word out about the new Bull Run Concert Series 2000.

The Vanilla Bean, Corner Routes 44, 169, & 97, in Pomfret, CT, (860) 928-1562, a half hour south of Worcester, is an intimate room featuring new and established artists. The food is outstanding and the desserts are dangerous! The Bean has a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Barry Jessurun has put together a room that serves both the North Central Connecticut Community and emerging musical artists. There is an open mic on the first Friday of each month.

Sally Johnson Presents, Unitarian Universalist Church, Westborough, MA 01581, (508) 870-1828, near the legendary (but gone) Old Vienna Kaffehaus, is a fine venue booked by Sally Johnson, (508) 366-6258, a former open mic favorite at the Old Vienna. Shows, with featured and opening performers. This is a friendly listening room with good sound. Sally is also presenting open mic's with a featured artist on Friday evenings.

Watch City Arts (781) 647-1075, Bob Weiser works diligently to support independent music presenting the concert series at The Museum of Our National Heritage, 33 Marrett Road, Route 2A, Lexington, MA, and at The Arlington Regent Theater, 7 Medford St. Arlington, MA.

The Lancaster Coffeehouse, Atlantic Union College, Dining Commons, Prescott Street, Lancaster, MA, (978) 365-2043 - shows start at 7:30PM, a feature act and an opener - this venue is at the start of its second season with a strong schedule (listed on web site).  It is a non-profit group that uses the coffeehouse for the benefit of the local towns. Folks get to hear great music close to home while raising funds for the town of Lancaster's benefit.  Some of the fundraising projects are the Town Library renovations, Save the Music, Senior and Disabled Tax Abatements just to name a few. Denise Hurley handles the booking for the coffeehouse.

Sully's Eating & Drinking Place, 74-76 Parker Street, Gardner, MA 01440, (508) 632-7497 - haven't been here yet, but have heard great comments about the room from performers - good sound, great houses, and a nice variety of food. This venue features a wide range of entertainment - the current listing may not look like your kind of room, but that's not the case.

Borders Books & Music, 476 Boston Turnpike (Route 9), Shrewsbury, MA 01545, (508) 845-8665 - is a new beautiful busy store about a five minute drive from WCUW (Shrewsbury is the first suburb east of Worcester) - there is also a Borders at 85 Worcester Road (508) 875-2321 in Framingham, half way between Worcester and Boston.

DCN Entertainment - Dave Nickerson's musical events and projects including Best of Boston Singer/ Songwriter Showcase, an annual showcase of emerging performers plus the Holliston Town Hall Acoustic Concert Series (Holliston, MA) and The Manic Stage, (North Adams, MA), two venues that combine national acts with local performers. Dave also works cooperatively with Sally Johnson Presents (see listing above) - both are dedicated to supporting folk and acoustic artists, helping to promote the growth of independent music.

Steeple Coffeehouse, Pilgrim Church, On The Common, Southborough, MA, (508) 485-4847, Regional and National Artists on the 2nd Saturday of each month - "Coffee is Bottomless and Desserts are Delicious!" - the non-profit Steeple Coffeehouse contributes to Pilgrim Church's Outreach Program.  Proceeds are donated to benefit various local and regional charities.  A notable Central Massachusetts listening room with a wonderful schedule.  For booking information contact Gary Kavanagh at (508)481-7163.

The Acton Jazz Cafe, 452 Great Road, Acton, MA, (978) 263-6161, offers a variety of music - the acoustic open mic with a featured artist on Wednesdays hosted by Fishken & Groves is a happenin' event - sounds of folk, acoustic, and traditional music with "the best listening audience in the Metro West" - sign up in person or by phone by 7:45 PM - the area's (and national)  top folk and country blues artists feature from 9:30-10:15 PM.  Other musical nights: Thursdays, the Blues Jazz Jam with host Brian Magoon - Friday night Jazz Features, the best of local and national acts - Saturday Night Blues/R&B Features, again the best of local and national acts - and the Sunday night Jazz Jam with alternating hosts Steve Kirby & Melissa Kassel - check out the schedule. This venue also offers a varied menu that changes 2-3 times a year.

South Acton Coffeehouse, Congregational Church, 35 School Street, Acton, MA, (508) 263-2332

The New Song Coffeehouse, (781) 275-1135, email, presents in two locations, The First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 The Great Road Bedford, MA 01730 and The Museum Of Our National Heritage 33 Marrett Road Lexington, MA 02173. The series is sponsored by The First Church of Christ, Congregational, Bedford, and is an alcohol and smoke-free environment featuring outstanding live folk music performed by talented musicians in a comfortable setting. Contradances also take place during the year.

Sit n Bull Pub, 163 Main Street, Maynard, MA (508) 897-4667, A friendly roadhouse, located on route 62 in Maynard Massachusetts, the Sit 'n Bull Pub offers a casual dining environment with award winning barbecue. The musical entertainment ranges from nationally known blues and jazz musicians to local rock groups. This intimate venue allows for a close and personal musical experience. (It's THE best place to catch Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters!) - Comments by Michael Sullivan.

Fox Run House Concerts, Sudbury, MA, was created in an effort to help support folk music & musicians as well as JRI's Boston Outreach Program, a resource and haven for young people in need. Artist donation for most concerts is $10 per person. In addition to the artist donation, we also request a $5/person (or more) tax-deductible contribution to JRI. (comments from Fox Run web site.) This is one of New England's premier house concert series with luminary performers. Booking contact is Mary Pittari, (315) 853-2296, for tickets/information contact Laurie Laba, (978) 443-3253.

The unCommon Coffeehouse, (508) 872-2978, Tickets: (508) 429-4331, Bookings: (508) 655-5699, is located in the First Parish Church, 24 Vernon Street, on the Framingham Center Common, off Edgell Road North of Route 9. It is a completely volunteer staffed and operated organization bringing to the community the best in folk and contemporary music not only from our great American tradition but also from others around the world. In bringing music from all the world, it's the unCommon's hope to promote better understanding and cooperation between peoples of all backgrounds and cultures. (comments from web site.)

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, 80 Emmons St., Franklin, MA 02038, (508) 528-0730, has been presenting fine acoustic music for eight years in a listening room that can seat up to 200.  The music styles are varied, including among others, contemporary folk, blues, bluegrass, & Celtic.  Featured performers are generally nationally known, and there is usually an opening act. Gourmet desserts and non-alcoholic beverages are available. For info and booking call Jake Jacobson at (508)528-2541.

The Grind, 16 East Central Street, Franklin, MA, (508) 528-1366

The Center for Arts in Natick, 31 Main Street, Natick, MA, (508) 647-0179

To The East...

Johnny D's, 17 Holland Street, Davis Square, Somerville, MA, 02144, Club/Restaurant: (617) 776-2004, Booking: 776-7450, Fax: 628-1028, Concert Line: 776-9667, a music club/restaurant about forty minutes east features a Tuesday acoustic series, plus a full varied schedule the rest of the week. It is a Boston institution owned and operated by the Delellis family for over 27 years. On any given night you may see Cajun fiddle masters from Louisiana, British folkies, or some of Boston's finest rockers."One of the hippest music rooms in Boston" -Boston Globe. (some comments from Johnny D's web site)

"The Back Room" at The Soho Bistro, 111 Springfield St, Cambridge, MA, (617) 354-7040, the new location of The Casual Cup's musical series which includes the Thursday Night Open Mic Feature - one of the best open mic's in the area. The venue is booked by singer/songwriter Jon Carmen.

O'Leary's, 1010 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, (617) 734-0049 - very much a neighborhood pub and restaurant - and features a great menu of hearty and delicious food. O'Leary's presents some of the finest local, regional and national artists currently performing in folk, acoustic and blues music. The atmosphere is casual, fun and intimate. (comments from the O'Leary's web site)

The Tam, 299 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, (617) 277-0982

Club Passim, 47 Palmer Street, Cambridge, MA, (617) 492-7679, fifty minutes to an hour east of Worcester - Legendary venue now featuring middle eastern food. What can one say about Passims, or better yet, what need one say? Booked by poet Tim Mason, info on booking, etc., can be found on the Passims' web site. Open mic is on Tuesday nights.

Taiwan Cafe, 233 Broadway, Cambridge, MA in Kendall Square, (617) 497-4277 - A very laid back atmosphere make this open mic feel more like a campfire song circle than a traditional open stage. Featured performers play a half-hour set around 9:15 (hat is passed with all contributions going directly to the feature). There's reasonably priced (everything under $9.00) award-winning Chinese food, imported and domestic beers and wines, and best of all, it's free to play or listen, so come on by and check it out! - Up to date list of features plus a map with zoom capabilities and directions. This venue is booked by Boston singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Eric Gerber.

Cafe Liberty, 497A Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, (617) 776-1768

Cantab Lounge, 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, (617) 354-2685

Kendall Cafe, 233 Cardinal Medeiros Way, Cambridge, MA, (617) 661-0993

The Small Planet, 795 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, (617) 441-9020

Plough & Stars, 912 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, (617) 492-7679

Regattabar, The Charles Hotel, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA, (jazz/some blues)

Sculler's Jazz Club, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA, (617) 562-4111

Java Joe's, 556 Adams Street, Milton, MA (617) 698-6400, very cool room, open mic on Wednesdays.

Colonial Inn, 48 Monument Street, Concord, MA, (508) 369-8090

Joyful Noise Coffeehouse, First Baptist Church, 1580 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, (617) 275-9075

The Rose Garden Coffeehouse, Orthodox Congregational Church, 17 West Street, Mansfield, MA, 02048, (508) 699-8122 - contact person:  Mac McLanahan, 106 High Street, North Attleborough, MA 02760 - The Rose Garden is a folk and acoustic music venue founded in 1988. We are centrally located and easily accessible to Boston, Providence, Worcester, and Cape Cod.  We present one show per month, usually on the third Saturday.  Past performers have included Garnet Rogers, Ellis Paul, Northern Lights, The Kennedys, Valerie and Walter Crockett, Vance Gilbert, Jim Henry, and many others.  We are a non-alcoholic, non-smoking, wheelchair-accessible venue run by an all-volunteer group dedicated to furthering the enjoyment of folk and acoustic music in Southeastern Massachusetts.

The Cornerstone Coffeehouse, (781) 729-1688, located in the Second Congregational Church, 485 Washington Street, Winchester, MA, is a volunteer-run series of concerts sponsored by the Second Congregational Church in Winchester, MA. The primary goal of the coffeehouse is to provide quality local entertainment in a smoke-free, alcohol-free environment. Proceeds from coffeehouse events are either used to fund church activities, or go to local charities. There's always a tasty assortment of homemade goodies to go with a variety of hot and cold beverages. Tickets are available in advance by calling MajesTix at 617-824-8000. (comments from web site.)

The New Moon Coffeehouse, (978) 373-9259, (978) 372-5173 on the day of the show, at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Haverhill, MA at the junction of Routes 110 and 125, is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting and enjoying the creative talents of up-and-coming acoustic performers. The Coffeehouse opens once a month (sometimes more!) from September through June. Now in its TENTH season, the New Moon was established in 1987. Since then, the list of performers who have entertained New Moon audiences reads like a "Who's Who List" of national and regional singer-songwriters and acoustic musicians. Patty Larkin, Dar Williams, John Gorka, Cheryl Wheeler, Greg Brown, Ellis Paul, David Wilcox, Geoff Bartley, Richard Shindell are but a few. See the Performers page for a complete list. Booking contact is Carol Allen c/o Universalist Unitarian Church 16 Ashland Street Haverhill, MA 01830. (comments from web site.)

The Wintertide Coffeehouse Inc., (508) 693-8830, P.O. Box 29 Vineyard Haven, MA, 02568. "Wintertide was founded in 1989 on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, to provide the Island with a multi-generational, alcohol and smoke-free community and performing arts center. We are proud of the fact that in that time, Wintertide has become recognized nationally as a model of quality, community acvitism. Among the many activities at Wintertide one can enjoy weekly comedy improv (every Tuesday) Open Mike(every Thursday) Livejazz( every Wednesday and Sunday) and the nation's top performers (every Friday and Saturday.) Wintertide is also home of the annual Singer Songwriter Retreat and Concert Series, a month long event at which songwriters join together to workshop, collaborate and relax".  There has been talk that Wintertide may be (sadly) closing.

Sabina Doyle's, (508) 533-1343, Route 109, Medway, MA,  Acoustic Open Mic at every Thursday hosted by Peter O'Dea - All types of music welcome.  Sign up is at 8:00 pm or come anytime, stage time ranging from 15 minutes to a half hour (depending on the attendence.)  Small room. Great acoustics. Attentitive audience. Comfortable atmosphere.

The Black And White Theatre, 250 North Main St Middleboro MA (508) 947-7833 - wonderful venue with a great reputation among New England and national artists.

Home Cooking Coffee House, Unitarian Church, 630 Mass Ave Arlington MA, (781) 648-0714

South Shore Music Club at The Beal House Unitarian Church, 222 Main Street (Route 106), Kingston, MA (781) 871-1052

The Wessagussett Coffee House, 83 Sea St Weymouth MA (781) 335-8504

First Cup Coffee House 280 Broadway Lynn, Mass (617) 539-3182

The Home Grown Coffee House, First Parish Church, 23 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA (781) 444-7478

The Beacon Hill Coffeehouse, Boston (617) 539-3182

Crossroads Coffeehouse, North Parish Church, 190 Academy Road, North Andover, MA, ( 978) 474-9195

Hingham Old Ship Church Coffeehouse, Hingham, MA, (781) 749-1767

Westford Museum Concert Series, Westford, MA, (978) 692-2039

East End Coffeehouse, Falmouth, MA, (508) 457-9220

Tryworks Coffeehouse, 71 Eighth Street (downtown, Rt 18), New Bedford, MA, (508) 994-9719

Music For Robin Celtic Concert Series, produced by Billie Hockett, the concerts are mainly in Lexington, Waltham, and Arlington - this season, one in Weston.

Comprehensive Boston Area Open Mic Listing maintained by Sam Bayer, fine Boston singer/songwriter.

An Hour To The West...

The Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center Street, Northampton, MA, (413) 584-0610. THE legendary room in Western Massachusetts in my favorite town, kind of like Cambridge in the country.

Fire And Water, 5 Old South Street, Northampton, MA, (413) 586-8336, very cool room which mixes established performers with new artists (and folks new to the region.) A fine selection of food and desserts is offered with many options for vegeterians. Performers speak highly of Fire And Water, in terms of the houses, the atmosphere, and the people who run the venue.

Sage Gallery, 41 Union Street, Easthampton, MA, (413) 527-8383 - Women's Night Out - every Friday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 is an ongoing acoustic music event featuring acoustic women artists produced by Lynzi Wildheart.  The venue is an art gallery / juice bar / performance space.  Everyone who loves original music is welcome, but the stage is reserved for women.

U'n'I Coffeehouse Concert Series, 245 Porter Lake Drive, Springfield, MA, (413) 562-3990. These folk music concerts are sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Greater Springfield. The series has been running since 1985. The name U'n'I is derived from the first three letters in Unitarian Universalist but punctuated to be pronounced similar to the phrase, "You and I". This name expresses the sharing which occurs among performers and audience at these intimate concerts. In 1997, the series received a Springfield Advocate "Best of Springfield" recognition in the category of  "Arts Visionaries." Most concerts are held on the second Saturday of the month, September through May. One additional concert is held in the Fall and in the Spring. Comments and contact from Ed & Beth Brown.

Cup Of Blessing Coffeehouse, Greenfield MA, First United Methodist Church, 25 Church Street, Greenfield MA (413) 772-6935 - new venue for 1998.

Susan's Coffeehouse - Cafe, 10 Hartford Ave, Route 189, Granby, Connecticut 06035, (860) 653-6600. Susan's opened in 1993 as a gourmet foods and kitchenware shop. Since then we have evolved into a busy 50 seat cafe. We serve breakfast, baked goods, and offer a full cafe menu seven days a week. Our cafe menu includes soup, salads, hot and cold sandwiches and quiche. Everything is made from scratch on the premises including plenty of desserts. Dinner specials (Thurs-Sat) change weekly, and include pasta, chicken, etc. Every weekend we have live entertainment, featuring the best in area folk and original acoustic music, plus a poetry night and a storytelling night once a month. Check out our latest entertainment schedule! (comments from Susan's web site)

And Further To The West...

Happy Endings Cake & Coffeehouse, 317 South Clinton Street, Syracuse, NY, 13202, (315) 475-1853, for booking: Joe Cleveland. Happy Endings is a cake & coffeehouse in the heart of downtown Syracuse.  Our new events room is a real "listening room" where nobody has to fight with the espresso maker and everyone can see.  We can seat about 80 people comfortably, with a capacity of 100 or more.   The events room is smoke-free, but we've made sure people have spilled coffee and soda pop in it to give it some character.  Happy Endings won the 1997 Syracuse Area Music Award for Best Live Music Club (Small).

Heading Southeast...

Chan's, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket, RI, (401) 765-1900, forty-five minutes southeast of Worcester, fine oriental dining and a mix of musical genres on their stage, very interesting venue with eclectic musical approach.

Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, 239 Westminster Street, Providence, RI, (401) 831-4071, mostly bands and not so acoustic music, but Rob, an on hiatus NewTrad Host, says this venue rocks, and I trust Rob! The Met Cafe, (401) 861-2142, affiliated with and located behind Lupo's features more acoustic music and solo acts.

In The Square Coffeehouse, Church Of The Messiah, Olneyville Square, Providence, RI - email

Stone Soup Coffeehouse, Slater Mill Historic Site in downtown Pawtucket, RI, (401) 781-0061, presents fine folk and acoustic music on Saturday evenings from Labor Day through the end of May. The coffeehouse is the principal activity of the Stone Soup Folk Arts Foundation, and its purpose is not to make money but promote folk music, presenting both established artists as well those less well known. Stone Soup also has an obligation to the many fine artists in the Rhode Island area, which has one of the richest lodes of folk artists in the nation. Stone Soup is an all volunteer, non-profit organization. (comments from the Stone Soup web site)

That Little Coffee Place, Post Road in North Kingstown, RI diagonally across from the Red Rooster Tavern, (401) 295-1095, fast becoming one of the state's happening coffeehouses.  Enjoy a relaxing evening of music with friends, and, weather permitting, bring a lawn chair because it'll be out under the stars.

To The South...

The Arts Center of Tolland at the Old Town Hall, Tolland, CT, about 1/2 mile from exit 68 off Interstate 84 on the Tolland Town Green, is a new venue in located in the charming 1879 Town Hall, just renovated and handicapped accessible. Booked by Ed Dale, (860) 872-2525, concerts are on Saturday and a First Friday folks series is planned.

Skiff Mountain Concerts, 476 Skiff Mountain Road, Kent, CT 06757, (860) 927-1682 - is a benefit concert series produced and operated by the students of the Marvelwood School Music Department. SMC is currently the best kept secret in the Northwest corner of Connecticut. Located on top of picturesque Skiff Mountain in Kent, it may be a bit out of the way but it's well worth the drive. The venue is booked by Jamie Flick and is located off of Route 4 (take the Farmington exit off I-84, then head west for approx. 45 minutes). Performers appearing at SMC include Brooks Williams, Tom Prasada-Rao, Walter Parks of the Nudes, and Kevin So.

The Common Ground Bistro, 121 Pearl Street, Enfield, CT, (860) 741-224, schedule includes an open mic on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month.

To The North...

The Muse At Grey Goose, Two Young Road, Londonderry, NH (603) 437-6085, is an intimate listening room located at The Gray Goose II in the town of Londonderry, New Hampshire. Join us in this charming country setting for our continuing concert series featuring some of the best folk and acoustic music and see why this unique room has developed into one of the most enjoyed and respected music venues. You'll enjoy an incredible evening of great music, fun people and a various selection of light refreshments including mulled cider, coffee, tea, fresh fruit and homemade desserts - all included in the cost of admission! (comments from The Muse web site)

Del Rossi's, Dublin, NH, (603) 563-7195

The Venetian Canal Espresso Cafe, 805 Canal Street, Manchester, NH  03101, (603) 627-9200, Kevin and Rita book this new venue. If you've got a recording to promote or just want to be heard, they're open to small, original acts.

Raouls Roadside Attraction, 865 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04103-4107, (207) 773-6886, the term roadhouse applies to this cool venue which presents contemporary singer/songwriters, roots music, and more. Open mic weekly usuallly hosted by Maine's own Anni Clark. Funky downeast atmosphere, good food, desserts, and full bar add to the experience.  Raouls may be closing, please check.

Press Room, 77 Daniels Street, Portsmouth, NH, (603) 431-5186

Left Bank Cafe, P.O. Box 981, Route 172, Blue Hill, ME, 04614, (207) 374-2201, booking contact: Arnold Greenberg

The Burlington Coffeehouse at Rhomus Gallery, 186 College Avenue Burlington, VT, (802) 652-1103

Other Sources...

Billie Hockett's Listing Of  Producers and Venues Within 100 Miles of Boston   - Open Mics - and Concert Calendar (Calendar Was Formerly Part Of The New England Folk Almanac) - this site is a wonderful resource - please make good use of it and tell Bille I said hello!

Boston Phoenix - Entertaiment, Art, and Culture - club listings.

Boston Globe - Boston Newspaper, great web site.

SoloPerformer - Web site offering advice to the solo performer - music, songwriting, touring, booking, performance, and more. Cool site authored by some of Boston's best - check it out!

Comprehensive Boston Area Open Mic Listing maintained by Sam Bayer, fine Boston singer/songwriter.

© 2002 Richard H. Fox