Market Bar is reopening under new ownership next to the Broadway Market. It was musician Dan Harper who put me in touch with the bar’s new owner, Jimmy Camarda, a guy who is an old hat in the realm of restaurants, theaters and the music business. It turns out that all of these pursuits will come in handy with Jimmy’s latest venture, a tavern that was established in 1910. But it’s not the history of the bar that Jimmy is concerned about… it’s the more history of Buffalo’s deeply rooted music scene. Jimmy is in the midst of reinventing Market Bar as a mainly blues club, with some jazz, and even a splash of rock ‘n roll thrown in for good measure.
When I stopped in the shoot the breeze with Jimmy (photo center), he was playing host to a number of his old time friends, many of whom were helping to put the finishing touches on the bar. Artist Charlie Reed (photo left), who will run the open mic night, was busy sketching a series of murals that will go inside and outside of the building. Jimmy’s other friends ranged from comedic pals to music junkies. It was almost as if the Rat Pack had magically reappeared, although the likes of Jake and Elwood would probably be more fitting.
Market Bar is cool. The tin ceilings appear to be flawless. The eclectic artwork and the instruments that adorn the walls add an interesting vibe to the ongoing theatrics that play out in the bar. There’s a giant gorilla bust that cloaks the PA. Alfred E. Newman (painted by Charlie Reed and salvaged from another Buffalo club) sets the lighthearted, somewhat mischievous tone. The original Market Bar stained glass sign hangs above the bar. To tie it all together, the who’s who of blues greats plays on the TV, and soon there will be a jukebox and baby grand piano added to the mix…
You would think that this place had been open for years. The floors were fixed up to resemble old shipping crates. “The floors are rustic-yet-informative,” chuckled one of Jimmy’s friends.
Jimmy plans on serving up pub-style sandwiches at the refurbished, recycled and reenergized bar. “I put hundreds of hours into the bar itself,” says Jimmy. “That bar had carpeting on it. And under the carpet was seven layers of paint. It was trashed. Now, after all of the work that we put into Market Bar, I think that this place reminds me of a club that would be in NYC.”
There’s an air about Market Bar that is different than a lot of music clubs, and I think that’s because the crowd is anticipated to be comprised of seasoned musicians who have been waiting for a place like this to open. It’s as if everyone is waiting to see who will walk through the door next – musician, blues aficionado or even someone who can simply appreciate what it is that these guys are trying to do. Market Bar will become a place to hear some of the best live music that this city has to offer. By stripping the place down to its bones, its roots, and painstakingly building it back up again, Jimmy has created an unpretentious music destination that is chomping at the bit to do its thing.
Market Bar is not officially open yet, although Jimmy is testing the waters with a few temporary license/permits. This evening (9/27/2014), Dan Harper and Magic Show will be performing at 8pm – I highly suggest that you catch this act because it will be a memorable occasion for the bar and for blues culture in Buffalo.
Market Bar is starting out with a beer and wine license, and will then apply for a liquor license. Opening day is scheduled for late October. There is a patio. Look for the sign with the meat cleavers (don’t worry, Jimmy took the edges off).
Market Bar | 232 Gibson Street | Buffalo, New York | (716) 262-6263 | Facebook