Club Quarter
Encyclopedia
The Club Quarter is located in Springfield, Massachusetts
, in the Metro Center
district surrounding historic Stearns Square
. Stearns Square is bordered by Worthington Street to the north and Bridge Street to the south; however, the Club Quarter extends for several city blocks north, south, east, and west of Stearns Square. For over 100 years, this area of Springfield, surrounding Stearns Square and Springfield Union Station have been home to the city's most prominent clubs, restaurants, bars, music venues, movies houses, and coffee houses - just as it is in 2011. Currently, there are over 75 restaurants, nightclubs, and bars in Springfield's Club Quarter, making it the largest entertainment district between New York City and Montreal, Canada. The Club Quarter is a primary reason why Springfield was recently ranked among America's Top Ten Best Cities for Singles by Yahoo and Sperling's Best Places.
One constant in Springfield's Club Quarter since 1902 has been Smith's Billiards, which has long hosted professional pool matches, as well as a mix of young and old virtually every-night. Another constant is Theodore's Blues Club - it has been in operation for nearly 30 years and has, on several occasions, been named the best blues club in the United States. The Mardi Gras is yet another Springfield institution - it is the largest and most elaborate gentleman's club north of New York City and south on Montreal, (including Boston.) With over 300 "Gras girls" on monthly rotation and its own magazine, the Mardi Gras is not one's average strip club.
The Birdcage Caberet is an LGBT
club that generally attracts a younger crowd, and features performers. The Shadow Lounge attracts a younger crowd with a "swanky" atmosphere. Sinners & Saints is a 6,000 sq. ft. multi-functional venue located in the heart of the Club Quarter, on Bridge Street. It features 3 bars, a dance-floor, performance stage, 9 TVs, live music every Thursday night, and DJs on the weekend. Shakago's is a martini, jazz, and piano bar on Hampden Street. Alumni is geared toward the college and post-graduate scene, with live rock music and DJs; however, one can also play games like Keno there. Naismith's is a popular college bar that often features live rock music that caters to hipsters. Fat Cat Bar & Grille is a dive bar that attracts a younger crowd and usually plays punk and industrial music.
Glo Ultra Lounge is a popular club on Saturday nights, with a swanky atmosphere and light show. Petra, next door to Glo, is Springfield's only hookah bar. The Pub Lounge was, until very recently an LGBT
bar; however, now it has shifted its focus to a sports bar. Adolfo's is an Italian restaurant serving fine cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients - with an outdoor bar that features a DJ and dancing. Sitar is arguable the Pioneer Valley
's best Indian restaurant. Skyplex on Stearns Square features three clubs-in-one, all of which feature different atmospheres - so technically, as your mood varies throughout the night, you don't have to leave the club.
As of 2011, the above (and below) are just some of the establishments currently operating in Springfield's Club Quarter.
nightlife has grown exponentially since the Massachusetts Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2004. In 2011, the City of Springfield celebrated its first gay pride
week, with rainbow flags adorning nearly every flag post in Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
and in 2010, The Advocate
named Springfield one of its Top 15 gay cities. According to the 2010 Census, Springfield, more than any other major Massachusetts city, has been greatly impacted by the recent influx of LGBT residents. Boston, Cambridge, Northampton, and Provincetown were long-considered gay-friendly destinations before the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling; however, Springfield was not. At the time when gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts, Springfield featured low real-estate prices, a housing and condominium stock full of extraordinary architecture, and an (at that time just) budding bohemian arts and entertainment scene. This combination attracted many LGBT residents who stayed in Springfield and have made its gay nightlife one of the most worthwhile between New York and Montreal. Currently, Springfield features five full-time gay bars and clubs, and numerous other bars and clubs hosting gay nights. As of 2011, Springfield is widely considered a highly "gay friendly city," with two openly gay city councilman. Recently, the New England
gay publication The Rainbow Times declared Springfield, "suddenly gay."
The Paramount Theater
Since 1926, an entertainment venue has occupied the site of The Paramount Theater, (most recently known as The Hippodrome,) at 1700 Main Street next to Springfield's famous Gothic
railway arch. Built at a cost of over $1 million in 1926 dollars, The Paramount Theater was the most ornate movie palace in Western New England during its glory days from the 1920s-1960s. It remained a movie theater until the 1960’s when it began to find use as a mixed center for movies, concerts, and live performances, (including especially memorable performances by the Velvet Underground, Eric Burdon and the Animals, and Alice Cooper
.) The theater was also once run by Western Massachusetts Theatres which at one time owned almost all of the single screen palaces in the area including The Rivoli and The Bing in Springfield, and The Calvin in Northampton.
It was not until 1999 that the theater found a stable operator again. It was purchased, underwent a $1.3 million make-over, and converted into a lavish night club and performance space, known as The Hippodrome. The main floors seats were removed, but the 1,100 balcony seats were retained and restored. The original organ was restored and the marquee was changed to reflect the "Hippodrome" name. During its time as the Hippodrome, the venue became one of the Northeast's centers of the "rave scene," drawing thousands every few months with elaborate raves. When that scene eventually died down, The Hippodrome became more of a hip-hop/novelty club, featuring performers like RuPaul
. In 2010, the Hippodrome was purchased by the New England Farm Workers' Council and re-named The Paramount Theater. Currently, the Paramount is in the midst of a $1.725 million renovation.
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...
, in the Metro Center
Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
Metro Center is the original colonial settlement of Springfield, Massachusetts, located beside a bend in the Connecticut River. As of 2011, Metro Center features a majority of Western Massachusetts' most important cultural, business, and civic venues...
district surrounding historic Stearns Square
Stearns Square
Stearns Square is an urban, city square located in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, in the heart of Metro Center's Club Quarter. It was designed by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and the equally renowned landscape architect Stanford White, to accompany Saint-Gaudens' now-iconic statue,...
. Stearns Square is bordered by Worthington Street to the north and Bridge Street to the south; however, the Club Quarter extends for several city blocks north, south, east, and west of Stearns Square. For over 100 years, this area of Springfield, surrounding Stearns Square and Springfield Union Station have been home to the city's most prominent clubs, restaurants, bars, music venues, movies houses, and coffee houses - just as it is in 2011. Currently, there are over 75 restaurants, nightclubs, and bars in Springfield's Club Quarter, making it the largest entertainment district between New York City and Montreal, Canada. The Club Quarter is a primary reason why Springfield was recently ranked among America's Top Ten Best Cities for Singles by Yahoo and Sperling's Best Places.
65 eclectic venues surrounding Stearns Square
Springfield's Club Quarter features many clubs, bars, and restaurants - an attempt to mention all of them and describe their unique characteristics would be futile, because the Club DIstrict is constantly changing.One constant in Springfield's Club Quarter since 1902 has been Smith's Billiards, which has long hosted professional pool matches, as well as a mix of young and old virtually every-night. Another constant is Theodore's Blues Club - it has been in operation for nearly 30 years and has, on several occasions, been named the best blues club in the United States. The Mardi Gras is yet another Springfield institution - it is the largest and most elaborate gentleman's club north of New York City and south on Montreal, (including Boston.) With over 300 "Gras girls" on monthly rotation and its own magazine, the Mardi Gras is not one's average strip club.
The Birdcage Caberet is an LGBT
LGBT
LGBT is an initialism that collectively refers to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people. In use since the 1990s, the term "LGBT" is an adaptation of the initialism "LGB", which itself started replacing the phrase "gay community" beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, which many within the...
club that generally attracts a younger crowd, and features performers. The Shadow Lounge attracts a younger crowd with a "swanky" atmosphere. Sinners & Saints is a 6,000 sq. ft. multi-functional venue located in the heart of the Club Quarter, on Bridge Street. It features 3 bars, a dance-floor, performance stage, 9 TVs, live music every Thursday night, and DJs on the weekend. Shakago's is a martini, jazz, and piano bar on Hampden Street. Alumni is geared toward the college and post-graduate scene, with live rock music and DJs; however, one can also play games like Keno there. Naismith's is a popular college bar that often features live rock music that caters to hipsters. Fat Cat Bar & Grille is a dive bar that attracts a younger crowd and usually plays punk and industrial music.
Glo Ultra Lounge is a popular club on Saturday nights, with a swanky atmosphere and light show. Petra, next door to Glo, is Springfield's only hookah bar. The Pub Lounge was, until very recently an LGBT
LGBT
LGBT is an initialism that collectively refers to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people. In use since the 1990s, the term "LGBT" is an adaptation of the initialism "LGB", which itself started replacing the phrase "gay community" beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, which many within the...
bar; however, now it has shifted its focus to a sports bar. Adolfo's is an Italian restaurant serving fine cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients - with an outdoor bar that features a DJ and dancing. Sitar is arguable the Pioneer Valley
Pioneer Valley
The Pioneer Valley is the colloquial name for the U.S. Commonwealth of Massachusetts's portion of the Connecticut River Valley. The Pioneer Valley consists of three counties in Massachusetts which collectively feature much of New England's most fertile farmland...
's best Indian restaurant. Skyplex on Stearns Square features three clubs-in-one, all of which feature different atmospheres - so technically, as your mood varies throughout the night, you don't have to leave the club.
As of 2011, the above (and below) are just some of the establishments currently operating in Springfield's Club Quarter.
Growing LGBT nightlife
Springfield's LGBTLGBT
LGBT is an initialism that collectively refers to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people. In use since the 1990s, the term "LGBT" is an adaptation of the initialism "LGB", which itself started replacing the phrase "gay community" beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, which many within the...
nightlife has grown exponentially since the Massachusetts Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2004. In 2011, the City of Springfield celebrated its first gay pride
Gay pride
LGBT pride or gay pride is the concept that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity...
week, with rainbow flags adorning nearly every flag post in Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
Metro Center is the original colonial settlement of Springfield, Massachusetts, located beside a bend in the Connecticut River. As of 2011, Metro Center features a majority of Western Massachusetts' most important cultural, business, and civic venues...
and in 2010, The Advocate
The Advocate
The Advocate is an American LGBT-interest magazine, printed monthly and available by subscription. The Advocate brand also includes a web site. Both magazine and web site have an editorial focus on news, politics, opinion, and arts and entertainment of interest to LGBT people...
named Springfield one of its Top 15 gay cities. According to the 2010 Census, Springfield, more than any other major Massachusetts city, has been greatly impacted by the recent influx of LGBT residents. Boston, Cambridge, Northampton, and Provincetown were long-considered gay-friendly destinations before the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling; however, Springfield was not. At the time when gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts, Springfield featured low real-estate prices, a housing and condominium stock full of extraordinary architecture, and an (at that time just) budding bohemian arts and entertainment scene. This combination attracted many LGBT residents who stayed in Springfield and have made its gay nightlife one of the most worthwhile between New York and Montreal. Currently, Springfield features five full-time gay bars and clubs, and numerous other bars and clubs hosting gay nights. As of 2011, Springfield is widely considered a highly "gay friendly city," with two openly gay city councilman. Recently, the New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
gay publication The Rainbow Times declared Springfield, "suddenly gay."
The Paramount TheaterJulia Sanderson TheaterJulia Sanderson Theater is an historic theater at 1676-1708 Main Street in Springfield, Massachusetts, Built in 1926 out of part of the grand Massasoit Hotel at a cost of over $1 million, the Paramount Theater was the most...
also known as The Hippodrome
Since 1926, an entertainment venue has occupied the site of The Paramount Theater, (most recently known as The Hippodrome,) at 1700 Main Street next to Springfield's famous GothicGothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
railway arch. Built at a cost of over $1 million in 1926 dollars, The Paramount Theater was the most ornate movie palace in Western New England during its glory days from the 1920s-1960s. It remained a movie theater until the 1960’s when it began to find use as a mixed center for movies, concerts, and live performances, (including especially memorable performances by the Velvet Underground, Eric Burdon and the Animals, and Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper is an American rock singer, songwriter and musician whose career spans more than four decades...
.) The theater was also once run by Western Massachusetts Theatres which at one time owned almost all of the single screen palaces in the area including The Rivoli and The Bing in Springfield, and The Calvin in Northampton.
It was not until 1999 that the theater found a stable operator again. It was purchased, underwent a $1.3 million make-over, and converted into a lavish night club and performance space, known as The Hippodrome. The main floors seats were removed, but the 1,100 balcony seats were retained and restored. The original organ was restored and the marquee was changed to reflect the "Hippodrome" name. During its time as the Hippodrome, the venue became one of the Northeast's centers of the "rave scene," drawing thousands every few months with elaborate raves. When that scene eventually died down, The Hippodrome became more of a hip-hop/novelty club, featuring performers like RuPaul
RuPaul
RuPaul Andre Charles , best known as simply RuPaul, is an American actor, drag queen, model, author, and singer-songwriter, who first became widely known in the 1990s when he appeared in a wide variety of television programs, films, and musical albums. Previously, he was a fixture on the Atlanta...
. In 2010, the Hippodrome was purchased by the New England Farm Workers' Council and re-named The Paramount Theater. Currently, the Paramount is in the midst of a $1.725 million renovation.