The Old Court - Lowell

I checked out the session at The Old Court in Lowell last night. I like the pub! It's clean, the people are very friendly, and the patrons were having a great time. Some were playing cards while most were drinking and/or eating and socializing. It was quite loud with laughter and conversation. So much so that I couldn't hear the musicians when I first came in through the front door. Half way into the dining area and I heard strains of music, so I made my way through the press of bodies to the bar area and there I found two guys, Doug Lamey and Cliff Mc Gann (guitar and fiddle, not necessarily respectively), in a corner by the back door flanked by amplifiers and singing into a microphone. Even then, they were not terribly loud.

As a patron who went to hear the music, it wasn't the best set up. There were some high tables with stools nearby, but they were all taken and it was standing room only. You'd have to get there really early to get a place to sit.

As a musician, it didn't appear to me as though the musicians would welcome any other players. The space they were allotted was limited and you'd have to amplify your instrument to be heard. Nevertheless, it was a really fun place to visit. I'd go back to eat and hang out, but other venues to play will have to be found.