It was a Thursday and we were thirsty. Thirsty for some blues music, that is.
Okay, we were actually seeking a beer – the blues was just a bonus.
During a recent visit to The Draft, 67 S. Main St., we listened to the musical stylin's of Lisa Marie and All Shook Up. The duo performed as part of the bar's weekly Blues Nights. The Draft has been welcoming acts from all over New England to croon every Thursday night away since February.
The band set up in the corner of the bar, tucked away enough to be unobtrusive, but in a spot where those seated outside could still hear the music. With just a vocalist and an acoustic guitar, the music was soothing and enjoyable, not loud and headache-inducing. At no point was “WHAT?! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!!” exchanged at our table.
Things got a little rowdy when an obnoxious middle-aged businessman behind us felt it necessary to screech along with the songs. Sir, we're sure your female coworkers were impressed that you know the chorus of the Marshall Tucker Band's “Can't You See?” – and only the chorus.
Lisa Marie and All Shook Up inspired others to sing along – in a much less distracting way. Crowd favorites included “Smoking in the Boys Room” and “Pretty Woman.”
Blues experts may be scratching their heads, saying, “Roy Orbison isn't blues,” and to be honest, Lisa Marie and All Shook Up weren't exactly playing the blues. Their set list could be better described as eclectic and folksy with a blues vibe. Not that we're complaining.
Don't expect to see Lisa Marie and All Shook up at The Draft anytime soon, however. Actually don't look forward to any blues there for a couple months, as they're taking a brief hiatus for the summer for other events.
Owner Laurie Sanborn said she had to cancel bands due to the NBA playoffs. After all, The Draft is first and foremost a sports bar. With its giant plasma TVs and a chicken wing selection, it's impossible to forget that.
We can't help but be a bit sad that musicians must temporarily move out to make room for the big game. Several other Concord restaurants host acts – Hermanos has jazz Sunday through Thursday and even more live music on Saturday. The Barley House, Penuche's Ale House and Pit Road Lounge are certainly no strangers to the live music scene. But there's something to be said for sitting outside on a hot summer night at The Draft, sipping a brew and singing along with the band.
While Sanborn isn't booking any acts for July, she says Blues Nights will be back eventually. Here's hoping for a bluesy August.
