THE KNICKERBOCKER MUSIC CENTER

35 Railroad Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891 (Misquamicut) | (401) 315-5070

Closed Today

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Venue Description

The Knickerbocker Café, a storied music club in Westerly, Rhode Island, was built in 1933, shortly after the end of Prohibition. The Café itself is named after a train that passed through Westerly station at the time of the Café’s founding.

The club thrived as one of the leading entertainment centers in southern New England, hosting regional and national bands with an emphasis on the blues. Some of the greats that played on the Knickerbocker stage included, Big Joe Turner, Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, Johnny Nicholas, Leon Russell, Eric Burdon and Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 1967, Roomful of Blues was born in Westerly, when guitarist Duke Robillard and pianist Al Copley started a band that played tough, no-holds barred Chicago blues. Making the Knickerbocker Café their home club, it did not take long before they started exploring swinging, jumping blues and added a horn section. Roomful would pack the house every Sunday and still plays their great brand of blues today.

Fast forward and the Café has become the Knickerbocker Music Center, a non-profit organization formed in partnership with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School. The mission of the Knickerbocker Music Center is to preserve, cultivate and grow the “Knick’s” unique brand of blues, as well as expanding access to music of all genres, by transforming the Knick into both an exciting performance venue and an exceptional center for music education.

Today

Monday
07

Tuesday
08

Wednesday
Special Event on this day 1
09

Thursday
10

Friday
11

Saturday
Special Event on this day 1
12

Sunday
Special Event on this day 1

Closed Today

Live Music

SPECIAL EVENTS: The Cartells

NIGHTLIFE: Let's Dance Wednesdays. Live Bands from 7:30-10pm. Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Age
21+

Cover
10

Music
Live Bands

Atmosphere
Busy

Closed Today

Live Music

DINING: The Best Fish and Chips.

NIGHTLIFE: Live Music. National to local acts. Visit www.knickmusic.com for more info.

Age
21+

Music
Live Bands

Atmosphere
Busy

Live Music

SPECIAL EVENTS: Swinging for Ceresi

NIGHTLIFE: Live Music. National to local acts. Visit www.knickmusic.com for more info.

DRINK DEALS: Drink Specials Available.

Age
21+

Music
Live Bands

Atmosphere
Busy

Live Music (8pm)

SPECIAL EVENTS: Rock n Roll Christmas Benefit

NIGHTLIFE: The Tap Room at The Knickerbocker is an intimate listening room with a retro speakeasy atmosphere that hosts acoustic sets. The Tap Room features a house sound system playing exclusively vinyl records on non-performance nights.

DRINK DEALS: The Tap Room offers specialty cocktails, eclectic cordials, local craft beer, and more!

Age
21+

Cover
No Cover

Music
Acoustic

Atmosphere
Busy

Special Events

08 December
The Cartells -
Let's Dance Wednesday! Show: 7:30-10p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p
11 December
Swinging for Ceresi -
A benefit to help with Roger's medical bills Hosted by: Bob Christina & Debra Demar Show: 6:30-11:00pm | Doors 6pm Tickets $20 https://www.gofundme.com/f/our-beloved-roger-ceresi-needs-your-help 6:30-7:30pm - Chris Leigh Band 8:00-9:00pm - Johnny & The Eastcoast Rockers 9:30-11:00pm - Rogers Allstars Plus many other musical guests.
12 December
Rock n Roll Christmas Benefit -
8th Annual Rock and Roll Christmas Benefit for Stand Up For Animals Music By: John Speziale & Friends Marc Douglas Berardo Xmas Fiddler: Craig Edwards Dancing Santa Puppet Santa Raffle Dance Contest Full Food Menu Cash Bar Time: 7p | Doors: 6:30p Tickets: $15 donation
15 December
The Night Shakers -
Let's Dance Wednesday! The Night Shakers, based in Eastern CT, are a five-piece band of seasoned musicians revisiting the formative Chicago-style electric and jump blues from the 1950s, ‘60s and beyond. All the greats, including legendary bluesmen Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Howling Wolf, Buddy Guy and Freddie King are represented, along with lesser-known artists and newer musicians who’ve kept the blues flame burning through the decades. The Night Shakers spice their set list with tasty jump and jazz blues, and will get the dance floor hopping when called upon. The members are Chris Lennox on vocals and harmonica, Fred Brightman on drums, Danny Maxwell on guitar, Jim Thomas on keyboards and Marcel Dufresne on bass. The Night Shakers are planning a special set list for Dance Night so bring your dancing shoes! Music: 7:30-10p | Doors: 6:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p
17 December
Andrew Marlin of Watchhouse (Mandolin Orange) -
Andrew Marlin of Watchhouse (Mandolin Orange) Andrew Marlin is a songwriter, mandolin player, guitarist, vocalist and producer based out of Chapel Hill, NC. He’s known for his captivating songwriting, presented both lyrically with his band Watchhouse (formerly known as Mandolin Orange) and instrumentally under his own name. During the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020, Marlin released two dynamic, instrumental albums, Witching Hour and Fable & Fire, which followed up 2018’s Buried in a Cape. Witching Hour, which was released February 5, 2021, is redolent of bluegrass and American roots music soundscapes; rich fiddle and mandolin weave through powerful, coursing tunes. Folk Alley said the record “showcase(s) Marlin’s ingenious ways of dwelling in a tune and turning it inside out, grounding it in tradition but carrying it out to new heights through brilliant innovation.” Fable & Fire, which was released two short weeks after Witching Hour, draws more from the sounds of Irish roots music and is reminiscent of the melodies that came over from the Emerald Isle to early Appalachia.. Red Line Roots called the album a “masterpiece” and that “Andrew’s instrumental songs have a way of speaking volumes without actually having any words within them. Rich palettes of emotion, place, space and vibe that in all my years of listening to instrumental records, I am yet to find an equal to.” Each album was recorded in a different recording studio but largely had the same crew of instrumentalists, all of whom are close friends and trusted collaborators. Nashville guitarist Jordan Tice and fiddler Christian Sedelmyer have worked closely with Marlin before, as have guitarist Josh Oliver and bassist Clint Mullican, both of whom tour and record in Watchhouse. Award winning fiddler Brittany Haas joined up for a tune on Witching Hour, and Fable and Fire features cellist Nat Smith on every track. Marlin will be joined by Sedelmyer, Mullican, and Oliver on this December tour. Outside of summer festival appearances at notable events Newport Folk and Telluride Bluegrass, this tour marks the first time these songs will be performed live in venues. Marlin has produced six albums of original works of American roots music with Watchhouse and regularly contributes instrumental performances to other artists and albums. Recent work includes playing mandolin on recordings for Tyler Childers, Waxahatchee, Dead Tongues and Phil Cook. Marlin is also an in-demand producer, and has produced albums for artists including Mipso, Kate Rhudy,Rachel Baiman and Ismay. Over the last decade, he has toured with Watchhouse throughout the U.S and Europe and appeared on high profile programs such CBS This Morning's Saturday Morning Sessions and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert. As a band Watchhouse has headlined (or is headlining) notable rooms including the Ryman, Red Rocks, The Grand Ole Opry and the Beacon Theater. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $20 advance / $25 door
18 December
Eight to the Bar -
Swing/Boogie Woogie/Rhythm & Blues/Soul and Motown Drawing its musical influences from American roots music - swing, boogie woogie, rhythm & blues, soul, Motown, - Eight to the Bar is known for its outstanding instrumentalists and sophisticated musical and vocal arrangements, highlighted by female vocals. With the support of independently-produced albums and videos, Eight to the Bar has cultivated a large, enthusiastic following that has put them in clubs from Disneyland to Disney World as well as Europe and the Caribbean. Their rigorous performing schedule (approximately 200 dates per year), has included opening spots for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Manhattan Transfer, Robert Cray, Neil Young, Roy Orbison, and Ray Charles. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seats are not guaranteed with ticket purchase.)
22 December
Java Groove -
Let's Dance Wednesday! Music: 7:30-10p | Doors: 6:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p
29 December
The Founders -
Many people ask "how did the Westerly area become the birthplace of East Coast blues?” The answer is Copley, James, Lataille, Piccolo and Robillard, AKA The Founders. These world renowned musicians along with a few others from right in our own backyard have played alongside Muddy Waters,Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn and countless others with performances spanning the globe. Forming Roomful of Blues as young men they went on to pack dance floor as well as stadiums throughout their careers. So dust off your dance shoes, grab a friend and get ready for a swinging night of music. Show: 7:30p | Doors: 6:30pm Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p. Tickets: $20 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
31 December
Mystic Dead -
Celebrate New Years Eve at the Knick with Mystic Dead Playing music of the Grateful Dead Opening with Wolfman Jack Offering full sets of primal dead, based around the legendary early years of Grateful Dead from 1965-1972! In 2018 a group of musicians got together for a once a month Dead night at the Captain Daniel Packer inn in Mystic,CT. It turned out to be a seriously good time that translated to more shows, more fun and Mystic Dead was born. Deep dives into all things Grateful Dead coupled by the freedom to remain true to their own creative individuality has been and will always be the mantra of all 6 members of Mystic Dead. Mystic Dead is: Toby Kniffin - Guitar & Vocals Ian Kelly - Guitar & Vocals Jay Hartley - Drums Ronnie Lewis - Drums & vocals Marty Moroney - Bass & Vocals Wolfman Jack is a live music project of veteran musicians from the New England area performing the psychedelic and electrifying Live Dead era of The Grateful Dead. A true dance band in the style of such legendary venues as The Fillmore West, Carousel Ballroom and Avalon Ballroom. They recreate those vintage sets from when the Grateful Dead were first cutting their teeth as a live music act. Don't miss it. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $20 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
01 January
Johnny and the East Coast Rockers -
Where people are swinging in Rhode Island and Connecticut, Johnny and the East Coast Rockers are playing. A premiere Rhythm and Blues dance band in the Northeast for over 28 years, Johnny MacLeod and his band perform original tunes and favorite covers from the 40's, 50's, and 60's in an eclectic mix, that combines elements of traditional blues, swing, jazz, R&B, and roots rock. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $15 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
05 January
Dr. G & The Believers -
Let's Dance Wednesday! Dr. G and the Believers is a group of experienced musicians that hail from Southeastern Connecticut and specialize in high energy, blues-based, upbeat music. Influences include Junior Wells, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Tommy Castro, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Otis Rush, Robert Cray and many others. The core of the group consists of Bob Garofalo on lead vocals, harmonica and keyboards, Bob Young on bass, Mark Burno on guitar and vocals, and Jim Piccione on drums and vocals. Together they’ve put together a collection of songs that are danceable, fun and funky and honed their sound into a tight and soulful blues machine that will get your blood pumping, fingers snapping and feet moving! Music: 7:30-10p | Doors: 6:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p
07 January
Sugar -
Disco/Funk/Hip-Hop/R&B Performing together as a band for over 15 years, we've really seen and done it all. We've shared the stage with the likes of Bo Diddley, Rick Derringer, Tower of Power, The Go Go's, Kansas, Toto, Dick Dale, Eddie Money, Trick Pony, Men At Work, J. Geils, John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, and Peter Frampton, to name a few. To sum it up in one word... EXPERIENCE. This experience comes complete with full back-line, lighting, and a pro sound company for all events as well as the availability to travel to any destination in the world. Whether you need top 40 high-energy hits from the first song of the night or a more relaxing atmosphere as we slowly ease your guests into a night filled with excitement and dancing, we've got it covered. The Sugar music catalog boasts an enormous repertoire of material that spans a multitude of genres, styles and generations, past and present, old and new. We are ready to satisfy the broad musical tastes of you and your guests. Sugar will deliver with our unique blend of musical variety, vitality and class. We guarantee your event to be remembered by all who attend! Sugar consists of: Marcy Kelly - Vocals, Natalia Mortrude - Vocals, Joe Michael - Guitar, Israel Malek - Keyboards/Vocals, Andrew Chaney - Bass/Vocals, Ric Haddad - Drums, Matthew Dean - Percussion, & Klyph Johnson - Saxophone/Keyboards. Show: 9p | Doors: 8p Tickets: $15 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seats are not guaranteed with ticket purchase.)
14 January
Sporting / Another One Down / Luv Mason ... -
Sporting / Another One Down / Luv Mason / Never Coming Home / LeeL "Sporting" is a Pop band from Rhode Island playing their hometown show on their first tour at the Knickerbocker Music Center. Supporting them are Poppunk bands, "Another One Down" and "Never Coming Home", along with the rock group "Luv Mason" and Indie/Hip Hop artist "LeeL". Lineup in order of appearance: LeeL Never coming Home Luv Mason Another One Down Sporting Show: 7:30p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seats are not guaranteed with ticket purchase.)
26 January
Ed Peabody And The Big Blue Thang -
Let's Dance Wednesdays! 1997 winners of the CT Blues Society Challenge Ed Peabody has been a fixture with the blues. With his band Blue Steele, Ed Peabody band, The Johnny Press Mess. And now his dream band Ed Peabody And The Big Blue Thang comprised of three other original members of Blue Steele. Brother Ned Peabody on drums, Larry Parquette on the keys, Michael Barrett on Guitar also Tony Carminati on Bass and Deke Kendarian on sax. Over the years Ed has sat on with any blues icons. James Montgomery, Jeff Pitchell, Neal Vitullo, and James Cotton to name a few. He has also opened for Roomful of Blues, Rod Piazza, and James Cotton. Ed is also a very popular featured artist at many of the local and regional blues jams. Doors open at 6:30pm. Free dance lessons starting at 7p. Music from 7:30-10p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.)
16 February
Java Groove -
Let's Dance Wednesday! Music: 7:30-10p | Doors: 6:30p Tickets: $10 ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges.) Offering Free Dance Lessons starting at 7p
11 March
The Mallett Brothers Band -
The Mallett Brothers Band is an independent rock and roll / Americana / country band from Maine. Their busy tour schedule since forming in 2009 has helped them to build a dedicated fanbase across the U.S. and beyond while still calling the state of Maine their home. With a style that ranges from alt-country to Americana, country, jam and roots rock, theirs is a musical melting pot that's influenced equally by the singer/songwriter tradition as by harder rock, classic country and psychedelic sounds. Texas Hill Country Explore Magazine calls them “New England’s wildly eclectic crew of genre rebels.” Bill Copeland Music News says “Combining their authentic roots rock sound with a reflective lyrical style that perceives stories on the level of epic myth, it’s like William Faulkner has been resurrected with an electric guitar in hand.." The Mallett Brothers Band has performed at some of the country’s top venues and festivals, including Portland, Maine’s State Theatre; Austin, Texas’s famed Continental Club; Alexandria, Virginia’s Birchmere; New Hampshire’s Meadowbrook Pavilion; Nashville’s Bluebird; Denver’s Cervantes’; and Little Rock’s The Rev Room, to name a few. A list of artists for whom the band has provided direct support would include The Turnpike Troubadours, The Outlaws, Blackberry Smoke, Robert Earl Keen, .38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and many more. Festival appearances include FloydFest (Virginia), Hop Jam (Vermont), Nateva (Maine), The New England Country Music Festival (New Hampshire), Eastbound Throwdown (New York), and many more. Show: 8p | Doors: 7p Tickets: $12 advance / $15 door ($2 Service Charge Included With Online Tickets. All sales are final, no ticket refunds or exchanges. Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and seats are not guaranteed with ticket purchase.)