thePULSEDon’t forget to check here for the latest on what’s new around town!
By Brian Goslow
Cafe Fantastique at Rotmans is expanding to a third night of entertainment. The “Thursday Night Talent Showcase” will run from 7 to 9 pm. Performers of all musical genres are encouraged to perform with the possibility of being invited to serve as an opening act for one of the “Saturday Nite Live” shows, which feature top national and region recording artists. Each act will be recorded for possible inclusion on WICN’s “Live from Cafe Fantastique” program which airs Saturday evenings at 6 pm; performers can buy a copy of the recording for a moderate fee. A limited number of slots will be available each night. Call (508) 791-6262 for more details.
After a short absence, the Retro Buffet is back, with DJ Dymentia spinning the best retro, goth, punk, rockabilly, psychobilly, hillbilly and pop sounds every Monday night at the Lucky Dog Music Hall, 89 Green Street in Worcester. You can also indulge in new-wave karaoke every third Monday of the month with DJ RyRy. And keep an eye out for special shows at myspace.com/retrobuffet.
The long-running Java Hut Jazz Jam hosted by Jay Tyer is moving to a once-a-month schedule. It will now be held on the second Sunday of the month; the first Jam will take place on February 12 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. All musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join in. The Java Hut is located at 1073A Main Street in Worcester.
J.C. Fenwick’s has canceled its Saturday night live country music shows as well as its Sunday afternoon country jamboree. “There are no plans to bring it back – not to mention a lot of angry country fans,” says jamboree organizer Joe “J.D.” Foster. “Partner’s Pub in Fitchburg is starting to have occasional country bands and there are negotiations going on to set up some Sunday country jamborees at the Franco-American War Veterans in Leominster. There are definitely still country bands and fans in the area, and losing the steadiest venue is devastating to a lot of people.”
The Folkin’ A Open Mic, created by the late Mike Duffy, continues every Monday from 7 to 10pm at the Webster House Restaurant, One Webster Street in Worcester. The group recently made a donation to the American Cancer Society in Mike’s memory.
DJ Xkaliber holds down the Tuesday night and the Wet ‘n’ Wild Wednesdays slots at Club Raw, 281 Main Street (next to the Palladium), spinning the hottest dance party sounds including hip-hop, R & B, and reggaeton. And X is usually there on Fridays as well, unless he’s next door at Seven). “The top three of the moment at Raw are R Kelly’s ‘Burnin Up,’ Cascada’s ‘Every Time We Touch,’ and Beyonce’s ‘Check on It,'” he says. DJs Hood-e and One 3 help you sweat on Thirsty Thursdays at Raw with more hip-hop, R & B and reggaeton mixed with rock, vocal and old school house.
