Several nights a week, you can hear live music pouring out of restaurants and bars around Marblehead — everything from acoustic folk to jazz, “dad rock” and more.
“I’m very happy the town is doing more and more music,” said Todd Horvath, co-owner and bartender at The Hidden Door, a speakeasy near Five Corners. “In my dream world, every bar has live music most nights of the week.”
The Hidden Door features jazz musicians Thursday evenings and sometimes on Wednesdays, too.
“Music is super important to me; I’m a Berklee College of Music grad,” Horvath told the Current. “Music is what I’ve done with my life, and I make drinks to make money.”
Next door, the Barrelman is known for its music scene.
“You can go get food and drinks in 10,000 places on the North Shore,” said Barrelman chef Nick Venezia. “We try to keep it interesting and fresh by having different bands come in.”
Greek restaurant Elia Taverna, Washington Street, has a clarinet player performing live on Thursday evenings. Three Cod Tavern features the owner’s son, Gus Percy, playing acoustic guitar in the bar. Percy also has his own band that plays around town.
The Beacon Restaurant, 123 Pleasant St., offers live music several nights a week, including a Sunday jazz brunch. Beginning Nov. 3, the restaurant is bringing back a Sinatra Sunday show starring co-owner Johnny Ray.
“We believe music is part of the soul of the restaurant,” Ray said. “It’s as important as a beautiful view or a great location. We’ve been able to keep our model going by dealing with local musicians on a regular basis and bringing in larger acts for special occasions.”
The Beacon features local acts like True North and the Guy Ford Band.
“The band’s been together … this is our 27th year,” said Brian Wheeler, who plays guitar and sings with the Guy Ford Band. “It’s just awesome to play in your hometown in front of people you know. It’s just a thrill.”
Wheeler continued, “The owners like us because they know we’re going to bring a big crowd that’s going to drink and eat and be respectful… and have a good time.”
The Landing had live music for years in its pub, and co-owner Robert Simonelli says he’s bringing it back soon.
“People have been asking me, ‘When are you going to do music again? We miss the old pub.’”
Simonelli said he hopes to launch the return of live music on Thursday, Dec. 26.
“Now that’s a Christmas gift from The Landing,” he said.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katherine Koch says late fall and winter are a great time to add music to the menu.
“It’s a generous addition to the dining experience, and we’re always impressed with the extra mile our Marblehead restaurants go to keep local dining fresh and fun,” she said.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
