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Date: 6/21/2021
CHICOPEE – Geraldines Live Music Bar & Grill was only open for two weeks before COVID-19 hit and shut the business down for over a year. Now, they have recently celebrated their grand reopening and are gearing up for a summer full of live music.
Geraldines is owned by Richard Harty, who has been in the business for over 30 years. The company used to be located in West Springfield and was briefly known as Poor Richards before reopening as Geraldines. The bar and grill is now located in Chicopee at 116 School St.
Jake Torrey, manager of Geraldines, said that they remained closed since the start of COVID-19 due to capacity limits.
“To make money here for us, we rely on our capacity,” said Torrey.
Without a lot of people allowed in their space, he said that it didn’t make sense for them to be open. Torrey said that they weren’t anticipating a reopening of Geraldines until August, but Gov. Charlie Baker changed the COVID-19 guidelines.
“We’re trying to get back into the live music thing and we just had our grand opening, and we had a packed house both nights,” he said. “It’s getting out there again, letting people know that we’re reopened.”
Torrey said that they are currently trying to figure out their hours of operation, but will most likely be open Tuesday through Sunday. They have live music every weekend and are starting other events such as a Blues jam and country line dancing during the week.
“We’re trying to do live music as much as we can. We’re trying to be different than all of those other places. You see all of those other places doing the same old recycled bands. I’ve got a Jason Aldean tribute from Nashville, I’ve got a Garth Brooks tribute… we’re trying to do almost a little bit of everything,” he said.
For most events, tickets can be purchased at the door. Some shows will be free while others can go up to $15 or $30 depending on the band.
Torrey said that he is also offering up Geraldines for free hall rentals for events such as larger parties, weddings, benefits, Jack and Jills, after-funeral celebrations and more.
“I give the hall away for free. I try to help out because I know that people are hurting for money and I figure I can make it up on the liquor and things like that. I try to help people out,” he said.
They are also trying to become more involved with the community and host events for local law enforcement, businesses and more.
“I’m trying to get more involved with the community. Things for the police or the fire fighters, if they want to do events here, just stuff like that,” said Torrey.
With Geraldines now open and their live music kicking off, Torrey said he is looking forward to potential growth.
“I want to grow us as one of the bigger live music venues,” he said.
Those interested in learning more about Geraldines and their upcoming musicians are encouraged to visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Geraldines-Live-Music-Bar-Grill-381872525681665.