Jupiter Deli and Bar is offering musicians a place to play away from the downtown scene.
When the Jupiter Deli and Bar opened last May, the owners wanted to give diners something different -- an eatery that was both fun and diverse in its atmosphere and cuisine.
The restaurant, 3300 W. 15th, offers a "spacy" dining room complete with an artist's colorful rendition of the solar system hanging from the ceiling, art deco-shaped furniture, a bar specializing in martinis and experimental deli-style entrees.
"We have really nice, fresh, eclectic cuisine," general manager Crishna Larkins said. "I'd call it cutting-edge, a twist on the traditional deli that makes it unique and unusual."
Now the diner is branching out even further by giving musicians a place to play on the west side of Lawrence.
For the restaurant's staff, the decision was a practical one.
"There's really not a whole lot of music going on on the west side of town," Larkins said.
While Massachusetts Street is nationally renowned for its successful live music venues, much of west Lawrence remains open territory for any establishment that wants to offer up live music performances. And the Jupiter Deli wants to be at the head of in line in starting up a live music tradition on that side of town.
Since its performance space is small, the restaurant staff is featuring smaller bands and solo artists. They are working with the West Side Folk concert series to schedule performers West Side Folk was unable to accommodate in its schedule.
Jupiter Deli is looking to create a place with an "unplugged" music sound, Larkins said.
"We want to be low-key with a nice, mellow atmosphere rather than be a big club," she said.
Musicians are scheduled through October. Bitter Bean and Darryl Purpose have already played, and folk singer-instrumentalist Don Conoscenti will perform at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The Band That Saved the World, a Lawrence-based band, is slated later this fall.
Patrons can expect a wide range of folk, jazz and blues to emanate from the club, and Larkins doesn't think Jupiter Deli will have any problems lining up future performers.
"We've had a lot of people come to us. This place has the type of atmosphere that is a perfect setup for soloists and songwriters," she said. "So I think we'll be around awhile."
-- The Mag's phone message number is 832-7146. Send e-mail to jbiles@ljworld.com.
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