Lafayette's Music Room makes its triumphant return to Overton Square this week, with a grand opening Thursday and live music scheduled throughout the weekend.
The original Lafayette's was only open for a short time, but it is vividly remembered by patrons of the square in the 1970s. The district has been revitalized in recent years thanks to owner
Loeb Properties and the various bars, restaurants and shops now calling it home.
Lafayette's joins its Overton Square neighbors with plans to bring the music back to the locale. It will feature live music seven nights a week from local musicians and touring acts. The original Lafayette's is remembered for catching big names on their way up; Billy Joel, KISS, Barry Manilow, Big Star and J.J. Cale all played the room in the 1970s.
New owner Tommy Peters--along with regional and national music booker Brent Harding and creative director
Susan Marshall--hope to replicate that model with their lineup of bands.
The group has a full slate of music scheduled for opening weekend. Marshall--who will have her own weekly standing gig at the room--kicks off the festivities Thursday, followed by alt-country band
Dead Winter Carpenters. Chris Johnson plays the early set Friday, followed by
Ghost Town Blues Band. Saturday will feature three different acts as the Memphis BlueGRASS All-Stars play brunch, Jeremy Stanfill and Joshua Cosby the early evening and local favorites
The Bo-Keys at 9:30 p.m.
The new establishment isn't doing everything like its predecessor, though. This time around, Lafayette's has put a major emphasis on the food, and executive chef Jody Moyt--along with restaurant consultant Jennifer Chandler--has created a Southern-inspired menu featuring po'boys, pizzas and baked oysters.
General Manager Alex Boggs has a special connection to the venue. His late father Thomas Boggs, of Huey's Restaurant fame, was the first manager of the original Lafayette's, and his mother worked the door there.
The Lafayette's ribbon cutting is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. Thursday, and it will officially open for business at 6 p.m.
By Jane A. Donahoe
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