Step into the Speakeasy

To the Editor:
There’s nothing quite like sitting in the audience of a small listening room while an artist is sharing their songs and the stories behind them. It’s a special experience - only 40 or so people in the room, no real separation between the stage and the seats, and a real connection between you and the artist. It’s a different experience than sitting in a bar or a larger venue, and it’s something that stays with you after you leave the room.
Part of what makes it work is that everyone in the room is there for the same reason. There’s no background noise to compete with, no crowd to get lost in. And in a room that small, the audience does its part too - you’re quiet, you’re present, and something passes between the stage and the seats that just doesn’t happen anywhere else.
We don’t really have a room like that here in the Valley right now - not an active one, anyway. To me, that’s a real gap that Friends of The Hall can fill.
That’s the idea behind The Speakeasy Series, a new series we’re launching Thursday, July 16 at The Speakeasy at the White House Inn. We’re kicking it off with Sean Griffin, a touring singer-songwriter who spent 25 years fronting the Irish punk band The Ruffians and has played over 2,000 shows across the Northeast. He’s bringing his solo material to the Valley, and I’m excited to have him here. I’ll be opening the night myself. Doors open at 6, show is at 6:30. Tickets are $20.
So come out on July 16. Grab a drink, take a seat, and let a great songwriter show you why live music in a small room beats just about anything. Details and tickets at friendsofthehallvt.org.
Ian Campbell, board chair
Friends of Historic Memorial Hall
Wilmington