Broad Street Downtown Market in Hillsdale broadened its horizons to get more business from students when it recently opened its Downtown Underground in its newly finished basement.
As customers are showing up to indulge in food and drink specials in a new atmosphere, the bar has started having live music performances to entertain its customers. Genres of music that have been played include classic rock, country, jazz, swing, and blues.
“We have limits on what type of music to play. We like it to be a nice setting and comfortable for everyone,” Broad Street Co-owner Robert Socha said.
Musical performances happen Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Last Thursday the Hillsdale College jazz band performed for the first time at the Underground. The performance was so successful that they have agreed to come back and play every Thursday for the remainder of the school year.
“There are two bands that play. One at 9 p.m. and the other starts at 10:30 p.m.,” Director of Jazz Chris McCourry said.
The bands are made up of about 40 students. The one that plays at 10:30, the McQ5 involves McCourry along with students. All of the music performances this year have been free for customers so far. A country group, Dale Vaughn, comes Oct. 25 and will cost $5 a ticket.
“We have to charge for them because they are pretty famous,” Socha said. “Our other owner Nick Ritter and I started talking about finishing out our basement last year. Our desire was to make it a destination for an entertainment venue. We knew we wanted a bar and entertainment.”
To go along with live music, Broad Street offers Wednesday night karaoke and trivia for customers, alongside daily food and drink specials.
“It’s cool to see an existing place like Broad Street reach out into the community and give people a new place to hang out and have fun,” Senior Sean Bennett said.
With a market, a bar, restaurant, and entertainment it is turning out to be a one stop type of establishment.
“It is cool when you walk in and you see students, professors, and people from the hospital and community all hanging out and having fun together,” Socha said.
