Free music and munchies are up for grabs tonight, as Evanston adds a rock club to its downtown scene.
Nevin’s Live, 1450 Sherman Ave., is holding its preview opening with a live show and free munchies tonight starting at 6 p.m., manager Sandra Carter said. There will be no cover charge, and all ages will be allowed in until 8:30 p.m., when the club becomes 21 and over only.
Two members from the pop band Frisbie will perform at 6 p.m., followed by the Delafields – think “ZZ Top meets Tupac,” said band member Scott Anderson – at 8 p.m.
The music venue, which is internally connected to Tommy Nevin’s Pub, takes up the location formerly held by Old Orleans restaurant, which closed early last year.
First conceived in July, Nevin’s Live came together with stage lights, a bar and a “killer” sound system, said sound engineer Steve Kocour, who installed the equipment.
“Your pants will be flapping from the bass,” he said.
The venue will open officially April 20.
The fully stocked bar will generally keep the venue 21-and-over, but Carter said the club may hold Northwestern nights – when students of any age would pay a discounted cover charge – on Tuesdays or Sundays, to go along with Monday’s DJ Night theme.
Besides some scaffolding and dust that will be gone by showtime, the club is furnished simply.
Yellow curtains drape along the back of a small stage, which opens up into a red and black tiled floor that can hold about 200 people. A 100-year-old upright piano, said to be in perfect condition, sits on the stage.
Carter said she hopes Nevin’s Live will cater to a wide audience, NU students to Evanston residents but definitely to “anyone who loves music.”