Rocking and laughing the blues away

That’s the only thing Tupelo Music Hall owner Scott Hayward can point to to explain why business is up 45 percent this year at his unique live music venue.

“We are having a great year,” said Hayward of the Tupelo, which has been open for the last 4-1/2 years.

Hayward’s noticed that people are being more choosy about where and how often they go out. However, he’s found that a good act at a reasonable price will always win the venue an audience.

“We are a room unlike any others,” he said. “We have really big names in a small space.”

It doesn’t hurt, Hayward said, that a night at the Tupelo is pretty reasonable, when one considers the free parking and bring-your-own-beverage policy.

“It’s a cheap night out,” he said.
With upcoming acts like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the Psychedelic Furs, he expects business to continue to boom. And he adds that it doesn’t hurt that a night out at Tupelo is such a relaxing experience, catering to people just getting out of work and those well into enjoying their evening.

“People will have suits on, people will have jeans on — it’s a pretty relaxing atmosphere,” Hayward said. “It’s a not a social club, but people talk a little before the show. Then they just sit there and enjoy the music. I think the less distractions there are, the easier it is to unwind.

Over in North Andover, at the China Blossom, comedian Johnny Joyce has been working on a Stimulus Comedy Package. He’s discounted the Friday night shows at 9:30 to $10 (while leaving Saturday shows at $20).

“It’s going very well,” said Joyce, who has been hosting shows there for the last year.

He said people have been “getting a kick” out of his Stimulus Comedy Package.

“Based on what’s going on in the world, I felt we needed to give back,” Joyce said. “It’s the best way to get people out an involved, and it gives people an opportunity to spend less money in a tough time.”

When it comes to unwinding, he said, laughter might just be the best medicine.

“There isn’t any better time to come out and laugh, there is no doubt about it,” Joyce said. “It’s a great time to laugh it out.”

Restaurants are also getting into the act — George’s on Washington in Haverhill recently started Mal’s Blues and Jazz Lounge.

Upcoming acts at the fine-dining establishment include Barrence Whitfield and the Savages on May 9 ($15 cover) and the James Montgomery Band, with special guest J. Geils on lead guitar on July 3 ($30 cover).

“James Montgomery sold out pretty quickly last time,” manager Kaitlyn Panaro said. She added that most acts do sell out at the venue, which seats about 120.

“It’s a small, intimate venue — the bands really enjoy playing here as well,” she said.

The lounge features live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

It’s best to call or visit the Web site, www.georgesonwashington.com, for an updated schedule. Reservations for shows and the restaurant are recommended.

“The music gets you on your feet,” Panaro said. “If you love music, you love jazz, if you love blues — it’s the perfect place to come.”