Guide to the Local Music Scene

From outdoor tiki bars to intimate indoor venues, here’s a guide to some of the best spots to catch a live show

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Girlfriend Material at Blue Pointe Bar and Grill. Photo by Paul Piasecki
Girlfriend Material at Blue Pointe Bar and Grill. Photo by Paul Piasecki

Tunes with a View

Blue Pointe Bar and Grill, Tequesta

The scene: waterfront restaurant/bar with spectacular views of the Intracoastal; Adirondack chairs along the water under palm trees; pool for splashing or lounging

The music: live music daily including pop, rock, blues, country, steel drums, acoustic, tropical, alternative, Americana

Good to know: The restaurant is a little hard to find for first timers, as you can’t see it from the parking lot. Park in the lot right off Federal Highway and either walk behind the building toward the marina or hop on one of the roaming golf carts that will take you there for free.

Upcoming Shows*

Jan. 5: Cover Up

Jan. 13: The Latitudes

Jan. 20: Sierra Band

Jan. 26: Vintage Radio

Jan. 27: Relentless

Terra Fermata in Stuart. Photo by Eric Wickstrom
Terra Fermata in Stuart. Photo by Eric Wickstrom

Jam Band Central

Terra Fermata, Stuart

The scene: open-air venue with some seating; bar serving craft beer and wine; chill vibe; unique vendors on-site; solid crowd of regulars and free spirits; dogs welcome at most shows

The music: Jam bands like Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers cover bands reign supreme here, but acts run the gamut from rap to reggae to rock

Good to know: Sometimes there are food trucks on-site, but Terra itself doesn’t serve food—so don’t come hungry!

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 6: Chili Poppers: Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute Band

Jan. 19: The Kyle Smit Unmanageable Tour

Jan. 20: Adam Deitch Super Jam Featuring Eric “Benny” Bloom, Bigyuki, and Brad Adam Miller

Feb. 16: Foo Fighters Tribute Show

Tasty Vibrations at Guanabanas. Photo by Roots Music
Tasty Vibrations at Guanabanas. Photo by Roots Music

Tropical Oasis

Guanabanas, Jupiter

The scene: laid-back waterfront venue with an uber-tropical island atmosphere; popular spot for locals and tourists alike

The music: Everything from rock to reggae rolls through Guanas, both local and national acts

Good to know: Get here early if you want to snag a first-come, first-serve high-top table close to the stage

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 6: Tru Phonic

Jan. 12: Ajeva

Jan. 13: J.P. Soars

Jan. 20: Moon Hooch

Jan. 24: Easy Honey

Tori Lee. Photo courtesy of Tori Lee
Tori Lee. Photo courtesy of Tori Lee

Spotlight: Tori Lee

Singer/songwriter Tori Lee first picked up a guitar in middle school—reluctantly. “My dad dragged me into a music store and bought me a guitar, and I was so upset!” recalls the 25-year-old Stuart native. Her father saw her musical talent early, and now she’s well on her way to a successful career. In 2020, she moved to Nashville, where she cultivated her country sound and made connections with other musicians at songwriting events. Now back home for a bit, she released her first single, “My Own Time,” last year. It’s just one of the many tunes she has written over

the years, filling 25 notebooks with thoughtful lyrics, and she plans to return to Nashville to record more of them soon. Catch her while you can at local venues like Harry and the Natives in Hobe Sound (January 6 at 1 p.m.).

Intimate Action

Maxi’s Lineup, Jupiter

The scene: small, 37-seat bar area adjacent to Food Shack with creative eats, craft beer, wine, and palpable positive vibes

The music: mix of country, rock, folk, pop; many solo/duo and acoustic acts given the intimate space

Good to know: If you can’t get a table for dinner at Food Shack, enjoy a meal at the Maxi’s bar before the show

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 6: Girlfriend Material

Jan. 13: Crazy Fingers

Jan. 20: Bryce Allyn Band

Jan. 27: The Kinected

Feb. 2: Spred the Dub

Double Roads in Jupiter. Photo courtesy of Double Roads
Double Roads in Jupiter. Photo courtesy of Double Roads

Blues Bar

Double Roads, Jupiter

The scene: country vibe; stylish, music-themed decor like instruments and vintage album covers; full bar; solid Southern-style barbecue on the menu

The music: Motown, Southern rock, classic rock, jazz, indie rock, and blues; open jams on Mondays

Good to know: An on-site record store carries a great selection of vinyl

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 12: The Shareholders

Jan. 13: SteelHouse

Jan. 19: GoodBread

Jan. 26: The Klik

Jan. 27: Eddiefest: Tribute to Eddie Van Halen, with Completely Unchained, Disbarred, and Big Vince & the Phat Cats

News From Bree at Das Beer Garden. Photo by Michael O'Malley
News From Bree at Das Beer Garden. Photo by Michael O’Malley

Fun and Funky

Das Beer Garden, Jupiter

The scene: gastropub with German-inspired food and more than 70 craft beers; lots of special events like ’80s Prom Night; popular place to watch the World Cup; outdoor seating to get out of the crowd for a bit or hang with your dog

The music: upbeat mix of pop, indie rock, and rock; tribute bands; nostalgia music

Good to know: Across the street from Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, it can get busy here on game nights—but it’s always a blast!

Subliminal Doubt at Das Beer Garden. Photo by Michael O'Malley
Subliminal Doubt at Das Beer Garden. Photo by Michael O’Malley

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 5: The Happiness Club Band

Jan. 19: Bombshell

Jan. 27: Sierra Band

Feb. 9: 56 Ace

Feb. 10: Revelry

Fan Favorite

Abacoa Amphitheater, Jupiter

The scene: outdoor arena where lawn chairs and blankets, kids, and dogs are welcome; some events have on-site food trucks and vendors

The music: variety of local and national acts; every third Saturday features tribute bands covering favorites like The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and ELO

Good to know: Bring your own (small) cooler and food, lawn chairs or a blanket, and enjoy a (cheap) date night!

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 19: Bad Fish

Jan. 20: The Expanding Man
(Steely Dan Tribute Band)

Feb. 17: Charles Calello Band (Four Seasons Tribute Band)

Ricky Young at Tiki 52. Photo courtesy of Tiki 52
Ricky Young at Tiki 52. Photo courtesy of Tiki 52

Beach Vibes

Tiki 52, Tequesta

The scene: tiki bar overlooking the Intracoastal with fresh seafood and a super laid-back vibe

The music: everything from reggae to rock to pop; country artist Ricky Young plays every Thursday and Saturday

Good to know: This place can draw a big crowd (especially on Ricky Young nights), so come early for dinner and grab a prime table near the stage

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 6: Ricky Young

Jan. 12: Kellie & Steve

Jan. 19: Killbillies

Jan. 26: Latitudes

Feb. 4: Matt Hilton

Girlfriend Material. Photo by Paul Piasecki
Girlfriend Material. Photo by Paul Piasecki

Spotlight: Girlfriend Material

“We cover everything from The Beatles to Outkast,” says Bryan Smith, lead singer of the band Girlfriend Material. “We read the crowd and play what they like.” And that’s exactly what fans love about them. You never know what to expect from the irreverent band, who cover tunes in a unique, unexpected way and always bring the energy. The band—founded by Dreyfoos School of the Arts alumni Smith and Michael McCleary a decade ago—also includes Harley Galeano and Jupiter resident Tom Coughter. The multitalented bunch jump around on instruments and never come into a show with a set list. “Mike can play the drums and trombone at the same time,” says Smith. Catch them at Maxi’s Lineup in Jupiter January 6 starting at 9 p.m.

Family Fun

Riverwalk, Stuart

The scene: outdoor venue in downtown Stuart along the St. Lucie River with lawn and bleacher seating; vendors and shops nearby; very family friendly; pets welcome

The music: Rock‘n Riverwalk series runs every Sunday from 1-4 p.m., featuring local musicians and tribute bands

Good to know: A free shuttle runs to the site from Osceola, Sailfish, and Kiwanis Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 7: Jupiter Rock Farm

Jan. 14: Live Bait

Jan. 21: The Andrew Morris Band

Jan. 28: The Rockabilly Boogie Band

Feb. 4: Dark Side of Sol

Michael Begleiter. Photo courtesy of Michael Begleiter
Michael Begleiter. Photo courtesy of Michael Begleiter

Spotlight: Michael Begleiter, Night Owl Entertainment

Booking a gig at one of the venues on these pages isn’t as easy as picking up the phone and asking if you can play. There’s a lot of talent here, which means a lot of competition. Palm Beach Gardens resident Michael Begleiter, who founded the talent agency Night Owl Entertainment in 2015 to help local venues book music, offers helpful tips for bands looking for gigs. “Don’t just reach out and send a link to audio,” he says. “You need a professional press kit with bios, high-resolution photos, reviews, and press. An active, engaging online presence is also important.” A musician himself, Begleiter suggests newer bands keep an eye out for open jams or “new band nights” at local venues like Swampgrass Willy’s.

Crowd Pleaser

Swampgrass Willy’s, Palm Beach Gardens

The scene: casual sports bar with TVs, pool, darts, burgers, beer, booze, and solid live music; lively late-night crowd

The music: up-and-coming artists playing rock, pop, country, punk, indie rock, and more

Good to know: Their happy hour goes until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, so enjoy discounted drinks before the show

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 6: Courage

Jan. 13: 46 & Tool

Jan. 20: The Hot Seat

Jan. 27: Florida Rock Zone

Vintage Vibe

Harry and the Natives, Hobe Sound

The scene: Old Florida atmosphere; family-owned for more than 55 years; unique and quirky vibe; down-home cooking

The music: acoustic and solo acts, Americana, Southern rock

Good to know: The family business has been around since 1941, and current owner/chef Harry MacArthur grew up in the restaurant. Spend some time checking out all the vintage Florida memorabilia and quirky signs around the venue

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 6: Jupiter Narrows

Jan. 12: The Old Hippies

Jan. 13: Trailer Trash

Jan. 19: Acoustic Soul

Jan. 20: Collective Soul

Photo courtesy of Square Grouper
Photo courtesy of Square Grouper

Ultimate Chill

Square Grouper, Jupiter

The scene: popular tiki bar on the water overlooking the Jupiter Lighthouse with a casual, laid-back vacation vibe; boat docks on-site for those arriving by water; burgers and sandwiches on the menu

The music: a little bit of everything— country, pop, top 40, classic rock, funk, reggae, bluegrass

Good to know: The video for Alan Jackson’s hit “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” featuring Jimmy Buffett was shot here

Photo courtesy of Square Grouper
Photo courtesy of Square Grouper

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 6: Riverdown

Jan. 12: Stacy’s Soul

Jan. 13: The Happiness Club

Jan. 20: Axcents

Jan. 26: Miss Dempsey’s Class

Suds & Sounds

Tequesta Brewing Co., Tequesta

The scene: friendly neighborhood microbrewery with a wide selection of craft beers on tap; special weekly events; dog-friendly

The music: country, pop, indie rock, reggae, soul, hip-hop—anything goes

Good to know: They serve a ton of tasty craft beers but no liquor. If you like the beer you’re drinking, ask to take a growler home with you

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 5: Joey Calderaio Band

Jan. 13: Anniversary Block Party

Jan. 19: Alex Z Duo

Jan. 26: Antares Band

Feb. 17: The Kinected

All That Jazz

Side Door Jazz Club, Stuart

The scene: upscale jazz club with a 1920s speakeasy feel; classic cocktails, wide selection of bourbon, bar bites

The music: national and local jazz artists such as the Billy Cofrances Jazz Quartet, the Mickey Freeman Quartet, and Maurice Frank

Good to know: It’s only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and it can take a minute to find the “side door”—the club is located in the East Ocean Pub behind Walgreens, off SE Monterey Road

Upcoming Shows

Jan. 4 & 18: Billy Cofrances Jazz Quartet

Jan. 11 & 25: Mickey Freeman Jazz Quartet

Killbillies. Photo courtesy of Killbillies
Killbillies. Photo courtesy of Killbillies

Spotlight: Killbillies

A regular on the local music scene since 2010, the Killbillies have a unique sound inspired by Celtic/Irish music infused with bits of Americana, punk, and rock. The trio—Ben Childs of Tequesta, and Palm Beach Gardens residents Hector Diaz and James Galiano—play a multitude of instruments including guitar, drums, banjo, saxophone, and upright bass and put on some of the most high-energy shows around. The band released their fourth album, Back to Basics, in 2022 and just came off a tour of the Southeast. Later this year, they’ll hit the road again, but in the meantime, you can catch a show at Tiki 52 in Tequesta on January 19 starting at 6:30 p.m.. Childs and Diaz also host the 561 Music podcast featuring different artists and venue owners every week (on January 4, they will be podcasting live from Double Roads in Jupiter). Says Childs: “I made almost all my friends through the local music scene. It’s a big musical family here.”

*All show listings current at press time and reflect night shows only. Many acts are booked closer to show date so check venue websites for updated schedules (and daytime acts).

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