This summer The Shack, located on Pine Street right next to Gault Admission center, began offering live music on Saturday nights.† The move is one of several implemented by new owners Candy Zimmerman and Mark Watts in an attempt to help increase the restaurantís appeal to both the campus and the community.
ìIím from a very musical family,” said Zimmerman. ìMy children play instruments, I played in a band, and I knew some people who played in bands.”
The introduction of live music corresponded with the installation of a new outdoor patio, which is where the bands perform.† The performances generally start around 8 p.m. on Saturday nights.† This summer, bands have ranged from classic rock cover bands Chain Reaction and Target to the Standard Time Jazz Combo.† Other performers have included Steve Brown, Not Those Guys and The Island Band.
Although she is happy with her regular acts, Zimmerman is interested in expanding The Shackís musical offerings.
ìWe would love to have some student bands,” she said, adding that anyone interested in performing at The Shack should stop by any time during business hours.
ìWhen the Shack started,” said Zimmerman, ìIt was basically all college students. Then it became more about the townspeople, which is basically what it was when we got it.† Weíd love to see more students come in.”
The Shack has made several overtures to students, including accepting the COW card and being open special hours, from midnight to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.† Zimmerman hopes that once the word gets out, The Shack will become a new pre- or post- party destination.
ìWeíre doing this for students,” she said.† ìWe donít expect a lot of townspeople here at three in the morning.”