By Jimmy “Hambone”
I’d been trying to get into Hammerjacks for the last couple of weeks. I’d get within a block of the place, at 512 Felix, but couldn’t seem to get any closer. Torn up streets and orange plastic fencing were keeping me from my destination. I’m sure the Downtown streetscape stuff will be nice when it’s finished, but in the meantime its’ dirty and totally disruptive to the businesses that count on foot traffic.
I finally maneuvered a winding path through the detritus and made it inside. It was a lot bigger inside than I expected. Chad Van was behind the bar and opened me a cold one with a combination hammer/bottle opener, as we discussed the new venture.
Sports, Live Music and Casual Good Times were the key points.
The stage is impressive. Lots of places have stage areas, little corners for a band to squeeze into after they move some tables out of the way. This is a nice big stage. Local bands will enjoy it, and it’s not hard to visualize touring bands playing there either. A variety of local and regional acts will hit the stage every Saturday night.
On Wednesdays from 7-10 local music legends Teddy Paxton and Larry Buck host a Happy Hour Jam Session. I caught most of their first set last week. I’ve noticed I always seem to have a good time when the band is having a good time. I’m not sure anybody is having a better time than these guys.
On Thursdays from 10-midnight, enjoy the acoustic groove of Mr. Marcus Words. Never have I heard him perform and not wondered how long this town will hold him. Better come see him while you can, before the big limo pulls up. And don’t you think he would kick ass on American Idol?
Before I left I remembered to ask
“We just thought it sounded cool” he said. “We were trying to come up with a slogan people would remember; something like ‘I Got Hammered at Hammerjacks’ or ‘I got nailed at Hammerjacks’ or something that would look good on a T-shirt.” Not that they’re encouraging over indulgence of course.
Silly slogans aside, Hammerjacks impresses me as a great place to hear live music, a terrific place to watch sports Downtown and a cool friendly place to hang out. I think it adds another nice option to the Felix Street Experience. Where else in town can you park your car and walk between 8 different clubs with 8 completely different vibes?
Next time you’re down that way, make your way to Hammerjacks. Maybe the plastic fence will be gone by then. Either way, be sure to tell em Joe sent you.