The Salem Music Scene: Feb. 23 to Feb. 27

I'm hoping to share my thoughts with people on the Salem music scene. This is just my opinion. I hope to occasionally post updates. This is not a complete list of all music happening in salem.

Thursday, Feb. 23

Clay Ventre and the Bond Girls will be performing at the Hawthorne Hotel. It's great to see that the Hawthorne is having live music again, and this is a fun band.

Elle Gallo and Julie Dougherty are teaming up again for an evening of bluesy folk at the Seaport Cafe. Julie has been a Salem music figure for as long as I can remember. Elle is my favorite woman vocalist around. Together they will knock your socks off. Don’t miss this!

Friday, Feb. 24

The Jackleg Preachers perform their weekly acoustic blues jam at In a Pig's Eye. You never know who might walk through the door, from Barrence Whitfield to Sarah Seminski, Henley Douglas, and Dave Balin, among many others. This is a fun way to end the work week. It starts early, around 4:15 p.m. Look for John Devine and Andrew Harney among the regular great performers.

Tony Gallo will be performing at Green Land Café. Tony is a multi-talented performer. He can do blues, jazz, show tunes, and Sinatra.

The 12:01 blues band will be at Seaport Café. Bring your dancing shoes.

Saturday, Feb 25

The Jackleg Preachers are all electric at Murphy's every Saturday. Expect a lot of the same great performances you hear at The Pig, only amplified. The show starts early again, around 4:15 p.m. This is a great music room.

Erinn (2N) Brown Band will be at Seaport Café. This is another of my fave local bands. In addition to Erinn, there’s Steve Peabody (PBD) on drums and assorted other percussion instruments. Eric Reardon, also from Jackleg Preachers, will help out on lead guitar. I need to learn the names of the other band mates. They are a must-see if you are in Salem this night.

Sunday, Feb. 26

Sunday/Funday is the weekly jam at Seaport Café, starting around 4:15 p.m., Chris Fitz and Steve Peabody (PBD) and other guests are here to entertain you for this end-of-weekend spectacular. This is my favorite weekly show in town. Elle Gallo, Henley Douglas, Joe Mack, Dannie Burnett, John Devine, Will Perone and others are regular performers. Again, bring your dancing shoes. And say hello to the lovely Sara Ashodian behind the bar.

I want to mention that this weekly show, as well as all music at Seaport, would not exist were it not for the late, great Greg Shea, who pulled it all together in the last year. Unfortunately, we recently lost Greg, but his spirit will continue. We miss you, man.

If your taste runs to Irish folk, O’Neill’s runs an Irish session starting around 4ish. Bring the family because this is a kid-friendly event. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some kid’s step dancing.

To really end the weekend properly, Eric Reardon and friends will close out Sunday back at the Pig. Stop by if you have it in you.

Monday, Feb. 27

Open mic at In a Pig's Eye with Dave Balin, of Dave Balin and the Bailouts.

Dave rocks!!!

Wednesday, Feb. 29

Every Wednesday, Rockafellas hosts a Latin Salsa Dance Party. Come by before 8 p.m. and learn some moves. This is a paid admission but a great way to meet similar-minded singles. The party continues after 10 p.m. with you using all the moves you have learned. Again, bring your dancing shoes.

Go out and listen to some great music.

And tip your bartenders.

And always check with the venue as times and schedules change.

See you out there.