Court Tavern Benefit Show at the State Theatre

Once upon a time, New Brunswick was home to several rock clubs that showcased new talent and popular acts, but many of these venues have fallen by the wayside. The Court Tavern on Church Street is the "last remaining rock ‘n roll club" in town. It's responsible for starting the careers of bands like The Bouncing Souls and The Screaming Females, and has played host to acts like The Flaming Lips, Pavement and Henry Rollins over the years.

The Tavern had financial trouble last winter and almost had to close down, until generous friends and patrons lent money to keep business afloat. Much of the financial trouble the Tavern experienced can be attributed to the 21 and up policy for shows as well as last season's unfortunate series of snowstorms.

"I want kids to go there! People don't know about this place. It can be intimidating and dark and there might be creepy people outside, but I want kids at Rutgers to bring their bands there and find out about the place like I did," Joe Chyb, manager of the Court Tavern, said.

But in order to give back to those benefactors who understand the importance of the Court Tavern, Chyb reached out to his friend Tony Shanahan, bassist for Patti Smith.
"I e-mailed Tony, and while reading it he was sitting in the room with Patti,"
Chyb says. "She heard his reaction to my description of how bad things were and offered to play for free."
Besides the cooperation of Smith, Glen Burtnik's Slaves of New Brunswick and The Smithereens will play a benefit concert for the Court Tavern at the State Theatre on April 30th. The acts are close to the cause since Patti Smith's Shanahan, Burtnik, The Smithereens and guitarist Lenny Kaye grew up around New Brunswick in some form.

"We wanted to find bands that had some connection to the Court Tavern," Chyb said. "The Smithereens recorded their last album at the Court, so they were happy to do it."

The concert is looking to raise $26,000 in order to pay back all of the borrowed money, yet Chyb along with owner Bobby Albert, are hoping for more.

"We need to sell it out to make the money back, but we also want money to keep the place open," Chyb said. "The benefit is also a celebration of the Court Tavern and what it's done over the years. Bobby's place is the only one in town where people can really showcase their music, art and poetry."