There have recently been reports that J.M. Randalls — an iconic Williamsburg, Virginia bar, grill and live music club known for it’s strong affinity for blues — has closed its doors temporarily.
According to Randall Plaxa, the operator, the club that has hosted Bobby Messano, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, “Wolfman” Washington, Shemekia Copeland, Bob Margolin, Big Joe & The Dynaflows, Big Bill Morganfield, and many more is in transition. “We will reopen in the spring with a new, exciting venue, menu and idea,” was the recorded statement on J.M. Randalls answering machine.
Randalls opened it’s doors in March of 1995, quickly establishing itself as a blues hotspot. A number of highly talented blues musicians have passed through it’s doors, including Bobby Messano, who currently resides at #1 on this week’s Blues Top Five chart, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, “Wolfman” Washington, Shemekia Copeland, Bob Margolin, Big Joe & The Dynaflows, Big Bill Morganfield, and many more. The bar also supported local live music. The website currently lists shows booked through February, though the club’s Twitter account has been relatively quiet in recent days. Randalls is located at 4854 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Blues fans should continue to show solidarity for the club. Visit the J.M. Randalls website & purchase club merchandise. “Like” and leave a message at the bar & grill’s Facebook page and Twitter feed, and when the club is ready to re-open, be sure to catch great live blues.
3 Comments
Hope they keep it open. I heard a lot of great music there when I was in college.
Very sorry to hear this, we’ve played JM Randall’s several times.