Tune In to Local Music Venues in Murphys!
Music Venues Abound in Murphys, CA by Bethany Woy
There is nothing like listening to live music. Yes, your ipod and CD can ease your troubles in the car—but there is something about sitting down and watching talented musicians taking you away to a far off place. Now, add that live music experience with a glass of wine and delicious food and you’ve found yourself a new spot to be. Every. Week. The following are a few places in Calaveras County where you can kick back, relax and let the good times roll… May I suggest booking a Food and Wine tour with Local Roots Food Tours and hitting up one of these lovely establishments after your tour to listen to some amazing local musicians???
Alchemy Market – 191 Main Street, Murphy’s, Ca (209) 728-0700 Alchemy is a very well known and loved restaurant in Murphy’s and boasts Chef Jason Wright’s personal menu. The lovely interior showcases California Cuisine while adding local flair with their wine menu and baked goods. Not only is the menu to die for, live music is played at Alchemy TWO times a week! (My kind of place!) Every Tuesday from 4pm-8pm, $5 glasses of wine are served and Alchemy also offers a menu of fresh fish dishes as well as house made desserts. Sounds good to me!
Every Friday, Alchemy offers jazz music by Matt Cullen on their patio from 5:30pm-8pm. The music is free- but the restaurant asks that you call for reservations and stay for dinner. Seems like a pretty easy thing to me. Alchemy also suggests if the mood strikes you- feel free to get up and dance!
V Restaurant, Bar & Bistro 402 Main Street, Murphy’s (209) 728-0107 Any place that has been voted “best cocktail” years over, gets a gold star in my book. V Restaurant in Murphy’s has done just that. Not only are their award winning cocktails amazing- their menu showcases fresh, local and organic food that is absolutely mouth watering. Lamb meatballs or fresh vegetable risotto? Yes, please. Pair this with some local wine (or cocktail if that strikes your fancy) and some live music? You’ve got yourself a perfect night. Each Friday and Saturday night, V offers local music that will knock your socks off! My suggestion is to check out their Facebook page for updates, calendars and specials. You won’t be sorry you did!
Want to make a full weekend of it? The V Restaurant is located in the Victoria Inn- check out their website and see if there are any reservations so you can make it a weekend destination!
Twisted Oak Winery 363 Main Street, Murphy’s, (209) 728-3000 A beautiful winery with amazing wine, that has the brilliant idea to start a concert series? I’m in. Twisted Oak Winery has now released their summer concert series and boy does it look like fun! The winery offers a breath taking venue as well as food, drink and (most importantly!) delicious Twisted Oak Wine. The winery allows you to bring in your own food and drink (but the big wigs ask that you keep alcoholic beverages at home)- which I am okay with, because Twisted Oak wine is absolutely delicious. Hanging out under the stars while listening to beautiful folk music? Sounds like the perfect summer evening to me. Check out their website right now and purchase some tickets for these events. I guarantee they will sell out quickly.
Cactus Jacks 415 Main Street, Murphy’s, (209) 728-9771 If ever there was a local hangout… It would be Cactus Jacks. This fun, San Francisco Giants loving bar/restaurant headlines some great local bands and a DJ. Cactus Jacks is probably best known for their amazing gourmet hot dogs, wines from many local wineries and an amazing atmosphere. Fun for the whole family. Cactus Jacks is open 7 days a week and open late on Friday and Saturday nights which usually showcases live music. Call down to Cactus Jacks for some more information on live music or check out their Facebook page!
Music in the Park http://visitmurphys.com/free-
Zucca- After Hours Wine Bar 431 E. Main St, Murphy’s, (209) 728-1623 This fun little spot also has “after hours” for the adult patrons. From 5pm-8pm, Zucca’s garden patio turns into a wine bar and offers small plates, wine flights and even bottles. Firepits set the atmosphere and turn the patio into a cozy, comfy area. Local live musicians set the mood- but go ahead and give Zucca a call for more details.
Gold Country Roasters 78 Scott Street, Murphy’s, (209) 728-8634 This little coffee shop is hot hot hot! Murphy’s favorite artisan wholesale and retail coffee roasting company Gold Country Roasters have acoustic and classical guitar musicians performing- but you’ll have to call to get the skinny on dates and times! While you are there check out their 25 pound San Franciscan batch roaster that was built in Fallon, Nevada!
Ironstone Vineyards/Amphitheater 1894 6 Mile Road, Murphy’s (209) 728-1251 Probably the best-known venue in all of Calaveras County, Ironstone Vineyard boasts the beautiful vineyard amphitheater. Completed in 1998, the five tier, horseshoe shaped venue has become a favorite to both local and out of towners for a variety of events. Names like Tony Bennett, Kelly Clarkson and John Fogerty have headlined this extremely popular place. (Did I mention Ironstone is also a vineyard/winery?!)
On May 17, 2013, the Summer Concert Series will be announced on Ironstone’s website. Stay tuned because these shows sell out fast! If you do anything this summer- you won’t want to miss these shows! Who knows which stars will show up this summer!