Regina Alongi
Connector Editor
The Last Safe and Deposit Co.
Now again a staple in Lowell’s music scene, The Last Safe and Deposit Co. is the go-to place for a drink and a night of good music. The space, back in the 1900s, was actually a safe and deposit company, storing money and valuables for city dwellers. Though the Safe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, there are events happening every night of the week, most of which are without a cover charge. D-Tension, owner of the venue, is a hip-hop artist and producer, so what better to have than the Sunday Night Cypher, a hip-hop open mic? Feel more comfortable behind your tobacco burst Gibson ES-339? Check out the Big Daddy Blues Jam on Wednesday nights. There are local bands the other three nights, so be sure to check out The Last Safe on Facebook or in person for a calendar of upcoming shows.
Garcia Brogan’s
Classified as a “cantina, pub and restaurant,” Garcia Brogan’s is an Irish-Mexican fusion restaurant located on Middlesex Street, right behind Mill No. 5. Friday nights at 6 p.m. they have live Irish music. Both Friday and Saturday nights at 10 p.m. the restaurant has live entertainment – this past Saturday boasted country music from New Hampshire native Ryan Brooks Kelly and his band. For a more interactive experience, Brogan’s has karaoke at 9 p.m. on Sundays.
The Back Page
“Every great American city has a nightclub that’s locally favored and almost never on Main Street.” The Back Page’s website describes perfectly what they are. A small jazz and comedy club located at 15 Kearney Square, the Back Page has become a staple for locals looking for a relaxing night of live jazz, folk or blues music or an entertaining set from a local comedian. Jazz on the Canal, sponsored by Evolvement Radio has been a big hit, taking place every Tuesday night starting a few weeks ago and continuing through April. Wednesday nights bring Steve Clements’ Famous Open Mic night, where a full drum kit, acoustic guitar, keyboard and even extra percussion and amps are backlined. Sign ups start Wednesdays at 8 p.m.!
Dudley’s
Formerly Hookslide Kelly’s, Dudley’s is a newly renovated bar and grill right on Merrimack Street in Downtown Lowell. Entertainment is aplenty at Dudley’s: for those interested in a more interactive experience, every other Tuesday at 9 p.m. they host an open mic night and every Wednesday at 9 p.m. is a karaoke night. For the general college crowd, Thursdays and Saturdays bring, respectively, a DJ and EDM night. Friday nights, Dudley’s hosts live local bands – in the past few weeks, they’ve had The Party Band with the Allstonians, Hayley Jane and the Primates and Slam Kitchen.
The Old Court
A small Irish pub on the corner of Middle and Center Streets, the Old Court could be easily missed by someone who had never been there before. Though the room is fairly small, they host events from time to time: for St. Patrick’s day, they hosted Irish step dancers and for Valentine’s Day they had the ninth annual “Naughty Readings,” an adult evening of theater and song. Starting this past February, they announced a monthly traditional Irish music “seisiún” (session) on the last Wednesday of every month from 7-10 p.m. They also have live acoustic covers of popular songs – I can’t help but mention “Mr. Brightside” and “Don’t Stop Believing” are crowd favorites.
Gemstones/Blue Shamrock
With two floors and a bar on each, Gemstones/Blue Shamrock has room for any kind of event, and they definitely take advantage of that. Upstairs at the Blue Shamrock there is a stage perfect for a five-piece band, along with five 10-seater booths. A smaller stage, but bigger bar, is downstairs at Gemstones, along with pool tables and multiple big-screen TVs. Gemstones/Blue Shamrock hosts drag shows, live bands, comedy nights and DJs, among other events. Every Thursday is college night, and every Friday night DJ Chris Beatz spins the best throwback ‘80s and ‘90s tunes. Happening March 26 is the annual Wormtown Battle of the Bands, where local bands are competing to win a slot at the 2015 Strangecreek Campout festival in Greenfield, Mass.
