Where the Music Never Ends

The options for live music venues on this side of the Sound are abundant, varied and growing. In addition to those larger performance halls or theaters that feature touring acts, it’s those burger joints, pubs, coffee houses and local watering holes, many of which have been around for decades, that keep the music alive. Owners provide the music, often without a cover charge or minimum, for you, their customers. And they’re among the best deals in town.

Local clubs range from pubs that have been in operation for generations, to more recent additions that opened post-COVID. They all offer full menus in addition to full liquor, beer and wine, per Washington state guidelines. And you’ll find that the quality of food and music often compete with each other as draws that keep the loyal locals coming back over and over again.

Bremerton is the mother lode for live music and offers the widest range of small and medium-size venues to see your favorite local artist or band. Places like Brother Don’s and The Garage have been kicking it for years, but they’re not alone in attracting crowds for live shows almost every night of the week. Brother Don’s, winner of this magazine’s Best Live Music moniker in the Best of West Sound’s Reader’s Choice Awards, features jazz, country, blues and classic rock acts several times a month, while providing one of the most extensive menus for foodies who want to graze while grooving.

James Alford, owner and operator of Bremerton’s Tracyton Public House, took over his family business in 2015 following his mother’s death. He books a wide range of talent, from solo acoustic to full bands, and had this to say, “We’re a little secluded on this side of the bridge, but the live music scene is thriving here and more bands from out of the area are now willing to come over to play a gig.”

Although he owns other businesses in town, it’s his bar and restaurant with live music that has roared back with a vengeance following the pandemic lockdowns a few years ago. “We were among the first to reopen and were packed every night,” he said.

In Port Orchard, locals tend to describe their town as having a “diners, drive-ins and dives” vibe, with venues that favor a country, blues and rock format. It’s a raucous, loose, fun group of music lovers who enjoy a brew and burger with buddies from work or a casual night out with friends. Faves in Port Orchard include the Deep Draft Brewery, Brickhouse 714 and American’s Favorite Cookhouse, among others.

And although Gig Harbor has a reputation for upscale dining and high-end housing, it draws crowds from both sides of the bridge to happening music venues like Ocean5, O’Looney’s and The Float, to name but three. Ocean5 goes well beyond the local pub description by featuring bowling, a two-story laser arena and an arcade with more than 50 games and private suites in addition to live entertainment. This venue is in a class by itself in offering such an array of both adult and family-friendly options.

But patrons aren’t just in it for the live shows. It’s the food that makes it a complete evening out while you enjoy a favorite band or solo act. The range of options isn’t just limited to the typical burger and fries, either.

How about trying the prime rib Philly at Tracyton? Or maybe drop in for Taco Tuesday at Bremerton’s 19th Hole? In Port Orchard, locals rave about the brisket at Deep Draft Brewery. In Gig Harbor, you’ll even find a charcuterie tasting board to nosh on with a craft brew while listening to your favorite group at The Beer Vault.

Finally, if you’re really itching for a burger, at least consider upping your game by trying the much-lauded Blue Suede Burger at The Garage in Bremerton. The offerings are endless and go far beyond what you might have considered to be pub food in past lives.

And variety is not just on the menu — it’s reflected in the options of music styles, sounds, vibe and genre presented by generous club owners to lure in patrons. One example is musician Malo Castro, who has been bringing it on stage for 40 years, initially in his home of Puerto Rico and for decades here on the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond. He proudly touts his group as “the only Latin band in Kitsap County” and performs in three different versions, including his Batuka-Santana tribute band WEPA.

Castro is a wealth of Latinx musical knowledge and personally plays the congas, bongos and the Cajon, a unique box-shaped, hollow instrument originally from Peru. It’s identifiable by a unique percussive sound made by hitting it with hands, sticks, brushes and pedals.

Frequent customers of local music venues tend to be fiercely loyal to their favorite club or pub. Performers like Nicole Johnson, lead singer with the popular Bad Neighbor Band, a “classic rock, ’80s New Wave and ’90s alternative” group, speak enthusiastically about audiences in the area. Although Johnson has only been with the band for two years, other members of the group have been performing at clubs in the area for 20-30 years. She is especially impressed with the quality of musicians in West Sound, an opinion echoed by fellow local performer Jean Lenke, an area favorite.

Venues attract a wide range of ages and demographics to the many music haunts. As Johnson stated, “Even those ’90s kids are now hitting their 40s and 50s. They come out to eat, drink and interact with the band and are primed to enjoy the music.”

Demographics vary by club, but the consensus is that most patrons fall into that 30s to 70s range, with younger crowds coming in to support newer bands or discovering area venues for the first time. Although groups often have their niche of style and genre, you can expect to hear original numbers among the covers of the top recording acts from the last 30 years, ranging from Led Zeppelin to Blondie and from Billy Idol to Sting.

As performer Jeff Coleron put it, “We do pop and rock from the ’50s to today and get requests for Queen to Bruno Mars to the Beatles and Jon Bon Jovi.” It’s a testament to the musicianship of the local performers that they can provide hours of top-notch music to local listeners.

Coleron is part of the group Jeff and Rhiannon Dueling Pianos, one of the more unique acts that appear at the local clubs. Both of them are working alums of the Walt Disney Co. and have performed all over the world. But they love working local clubs like Ocean5 and find the local music scene abundant, varied and well supported by longtime loyal fans.

“Music brings people together,” Coleron said. “It helps put the stress aside for an hour or two. When it’s in your own community at a local venue, it makes it accessible to everyone.”

If you haven’t yet taken advantage of the local bounty of food and music haunts, check them out. You’ll find them warm and welcoming with great food, performers who may be a favorite rock band or your co-worker’s sister trying out her solo act. Or maybe you’ll discover a whole new world of Latin jazz, retro jams or tributes to your favorite performer. It’s all here and accessible.

Here’s a final take from performer Nicole Johnson. Her enthusiasm for the local live music venues is palpable and should inspire music lovers to try out the local scene — hopefully in the very near future.

“Our music scene in South Kitsap and West Pierce counties is vibrant, eclectic and thriving. There are so many choices every day of the week,” she said. “If you haven’t gotten out to celebrate a special occasion or just a night out with friends at a local live music venue, what are you waiting for? The crowds are friendly. The food and drinks incredible. The bands are terrific and you’ll find something for everyone.”

You want to make sure the music never ends? Plan a night out at one of these local venues soon. It might well prove to be the best night out you’ve had in years.