Club Passim facts for kids

Entrance on Palmer Street

Club Passim is a famous folk music club located in the Harvard Square area of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It first opened its doors in 1958. Back then, it was known as Club 47 because it was at 47 Mount Auburn Street. In 1963, the club moved to its current spot on Palmer Street.

The name changed to Passim in 1969. Later, in 1994, it became Club Passim, combining its old names. When it first started, the club mainly featured jazz and blues music. Over time, it grew to include different types of folk music, especially singer-songwriters.

Famous Musicians at Club Passim

Many well-known artists have performed at Club Passim over the years. Some of these include Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin, Bob Dylan, Tom Rush, Joni Mitchell, Suzanne Vega, Muddy Waters, and Jimmy Buffett. It was also a place for blues musicians like Paul Butterfield and Elvin Bishop to play.

Early Performances by Music Legends

Joan Baez started performing at Club 47 in 1958. She was a student at Boston University at the time. She would play on Tuesday nights when the jazz musicians had a break. She continued to perform there regularly into the early 1960s.

Bob Dylan also played at Club 47 in 1961. He played for free between other acts. He hoped to impress the club manager, Paula Kelley.

Bonnie Raitt chose to attend Radcliffe College in Cambridge. She wanted to be close to Club 47.

Bill Staines saw his first coffeehouse show there in 1962. He described Club 47 as one of the best folk music places in the country during the 1960s.

Interestingly, Bruce Springsteen was once turned down for a gig at Club Passim.

Club Passim's Role in Music History

In the 1960s, when it was Club 47, the club played a big part in the rise of folk-rock music. It started booking bands like the Lovin' Spoonful. These bands played music that mixed folk with rock.

The club was a very important place for the folk music scene in Cambridge during the 1960s. Many musicians and fans gathered there. It was known as a favorite hangout for new folk musicians.

The Passim School of Music

Today, Club Passim also has a special program called the Passim School of Music. This school offers workshops and classes. Both teenagers and adults can learn about music here.

Dining at Club Passim

For many years, Club Passim shared its space with a vegetarian and vegan restaurant called Veggie Planet. This restaurant closed in 2014.

Now, Club Passim serves brunch on Sunday mornings. They also offer dinner to people who have tickets for their afternoon and evening shows.

Images for kids

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  Entrance on Palmer Street

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  Uncle Earl at Club Passim in 2007

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  Talisk at Club Passim in 2022