Located under Table 9, The Basement used to be one of Northampton's best kept secrets on the nightclub scene—until Jimmy Fallon discovered it on a recent visit and gushed about it on Late Night. The comedian found the hole-in-the-wall club after his April 18 performance at the Calvin, and danced the night away to Motown, funk, soul and oldies at The Basement's locally legendary Saturday "Wooly Bully" night.
Despite the late night shout-out from Fallon, The Basement remains the same laid back, underground (literally) joint that has been quietly drawing crowds since it replaced the old Bishop's Lounge. Although the place is often packed with the area's hippest late-night crowd, its comfy couches and relaxed vibe make it an ideal place for a quiet after-dinner drink as well. The low ceiling and even lower lighting remind you that the space is subterranean, but the nightly entertainment and unaffected atmosphere make it a favorite for hipsters and townies alike.
The Basement's tiny stage hosts an array of weekly entertainment, starting with Purity Supreme's DJs spinning hip-hop, old school, funk and '80s dance from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Tuesday night. Thursdays at 9 p.m. the stage is open to all for traditional Celtic sessions. Saturday is the "Wooly Bully" night with DJ Cashman and Snack Attack.
Fridays and Saturdays at The Basement also feature live bands. The Grownup Noise rock the stage on May 15, followed by The Fine and Dandy Trio on May 16. Later this month, local bands The Wandas, True Jacqueline, Lake Champagne and The Lonesome Brothers take the stage. The club mixes it up on occasional Saturdays with Basement Comedy, with comedians such as Josh Gondelman, Shawn Donovan and Louie Falcetti on May 9.
Like many hip underground bars in the area, The Basement doesn't feel the need to have a sign. If you can find it, it's worth a stop. For directions, contact Jimmy Fallon.
The Basement is located under Table 9 at 21 Center St., Northampton, (413) 586-8686, www.iheg.com.
