From the outside, it is always a shock to walk in to the Acoustic Cafe. Standing in the doorway, you’ll see dragons stream from the black ceiling, modern funky paintings, and a stage that is much closer than expected, all framed by a small window lined with small red theater curtains and tassels. This window offers the entering guests a very unique experience, even if you’re just walking in to use the bathroom.
Lanterns and other alternative and artistic lighting fixtures soothe the room with gentle illumination, and breath life into the paintings and reminders of headliners that line the masculine but welcoming navy blue walls. The styles of the bare hardwood tables and damaged hardwood multi-tiered floor mix with the vibrant colors of the rest of the club and add excitement to the already musing layout.
Twenty dollar designer hula hoops hang in the 21-plus sitting area, booths are upholstered with fuzzy red fabric as well as leopard print, and all this trendiness and cleanliness doesn’t seem fit for a rock club. They are the “Greenwich Village coffee shop” of rock clubs, admits owner Rich Franzino.
Serving 25 different types of beer, and a full array of other alcoholic beverages, Acoustic Cafe also offers a light fare menu. Aside from booze and grub, the place really rocks. Even without anyone playing.
It will be difficult, though, to find a night that the Acoustic Cafe is not entertaining the masses with its intentionally diverse and welcoming musical tastes.
In reference to the crowd, Franzino says every show is different.
“We are consistently presenting new artists and up and coming artists that you wouldn’t hear at other places around here,” he said. They do not book cover bands like other bars, to accompany the booze, at the Acoustic Cafe, the music comes first and you will only find original music.
One night they may have a hip hop band with a DJ, while the next night it might be a local bluegrass artist with a large following, and still the next night could be a Bar Mitzvah. If it’s Tuesday, it’s open mic night. Send Rich your demo tapes and electronic press tapes if you want to play at the Acoustic Cafe, but the open mic nights are intentionally more laid back, with a $3 cover.
Another great thing for college students who love music is the cheap price of entrance. Franzino said the price is normally between $5 and $10 on a normal night. Most nights will include shows by a jam band, a solo guitarist, a rock n’ roll band, a blues band or a comedian.
Acoustic Cafe is unique in its ability to offer film classes and other establishments the ability to screen movies in an exciting setting with great sound. They can also offer their ability to simulcast live directly from the venue.
Past acts include Matt Nathanson, Stephen Kellog, Psychedelic Breakfast, Steven Lynch, Keller Williams, Lisa Loeb and many big-name national blues acts and acoustic artists.
After five and a half years in business, the Acoustic Cafe has been able to situate itself as a prominent rock club while still having the fortune of remaining small, intimate and a sort of hidden gem of the area. It fits 100 people comfortably, but feels larger than that.
Conveniently located for Fairfield Students, Acoustic Cafe is located at 2926 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, right next to The Package Store and across the street from John Adams Bar. Luckily for the Acoustic Cafe, they have a great deal more to offer than just alcohol.
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