Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/633996
166 known North Shore band Joppa Flats appears often, bringing a mix of tunes for dancing downstairs in The Grog's club-level space. Nichel- mann says he's always looking for new talent to add to the lineup, but regular crowd favorites include Don't Call Me Shirley, Third Man High, and the Henry Welch Band. If you're really looking for some- photograph by Eric Johnson (top), by Bonnie Durante (bottom) don't need to spend hundreds of dollars or drive to a mega-packed arena to hear talented musicians— they're playing right here on the North Shore. A burgeoning live- music scene is thriving in our own backyard, with towns like Gloucester and Newburyport home to many up- and-coming artists. Local bars and restaurants are taking note; you can find a show every night of the week, from laid-back reggae to energizing rock to riveting Irish fiddlers. We've got your ticket to the top performers and places to listen to live beats. THE GROG For 45 years, The Grog has been a neighborhood institution in New- buryport. With a range of live music several days a week, owner Bill Nichelmann says there's some- thing for everyone. Guitarist Steve Spungin holds court on Tuesday nights in the main bar, playing everything from the Beatles to flamenco. For decades, Wednesday has been reserved for local talent in an open-mike format called Hoot Night. There's no cover for either weeknight show. The Grog amps up the energy on Fridays and Saturdays with a range of rock, soul, reggae, and R & B bands starting at 9:30 p.m. for a five-dollar cover. Well- thing special, don't miss the Parker Wheeler Blues Party, held every Sunday from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. for the last 25 years. "We are lucky Parker plays with us," says Nichel- mann. "He brings in a new band every week and it's never the same show twice. Parker brings top-notch musicians together, and they're thrown together on stage with no Third Man High (top) and Joppa Flats (bottom) at The Grog