Somerville will part ways with a longtime staple of its music scene this weekend when Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant and Music Club closes its doors permanently. The venue will celebrate the occasion with a band parade sendoff on Sunday, March 13 at 4 p.m.
Johnny D's made its mark for being what The Boston Globe called a "world-class purveyor of the widest array of sounds in town," bringing in a range of musical acts on weeknights and weekends, including for its famous jazz brunch. Larry Kukers, the lead act for brunch, will take the concept down the road to Orleans, keeping part of Johnny D's alive.
Owner Carla DeLellis made the decision to close the venue that her parents initially opened as a bar in 1969, saying the time was right in her life to develop the property and close out a great chapter. She told the Globe she planned to build seven residences above the space — including one she will live in— and could turn the ground floor into commercial, retail, or even a restaurant space.
The final jazz brunch will be March 12, followed by free shows until 12 a.m., and Johnny D's will have its last bloody mary and mimosa bar offerings on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
[Photo: Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant & Music Club, Facebook]
