After 36 Years, Campbell's Grand Dell Saloon Closes

It's a common story--The Edge in Palo Alto, The Cactus Club in San Jose, The Gaslighter Theatre in Campbell--but it doesn't lessen the impact on the local music community. 

Another established South Bay live music venue has announced it will close its doors this week.

Campbell's Grand Dell Saloon will host a final show on Aug. 3 before it's lights out, after more than three decades in the Orchard City.

Owner Tony McKenna says that the decision to close his establishment, which has become known as the go-to locale for live Blues music, came after the change of ownership of his building lead to raised rents.

"He wanted a lot more money, nearly 50 percent more and we just couldn't do it," McKenna says.

Campbell Patch Editor first learned about the announcement from various Campbell Patch Facebook readers.

"Some of my cousins were coming to The Grand Dell as far back as the 70's," says Stacy Hames. "Back then the crowd was mostly blue collar workers letting off steam after a hard day at work.

"Between Happy Hours, BBQs, Live Music and Sports on the TVs, this is the spot for making friends and seeing regulars," Hames says. "I celebrated a birthday there in 2011 - it was great seeing all my friends in one place at one time. I danced all night. The Grand Dell is also famous for their New Years Eve Parties. For one price, you'd get food, live music - and if you needed it, a ride home!!" 

Supporters made sure to let the rest of the South Bay know how they felt about The Grand Dell Saloon, voting it the "Best Live Entertainment Venue" in Campbell Patch's inaugural Readers' Choice Awards.
 
McKenna first started working at the Grand Dell in 1986, then in 1999 purchased it.

"It was a place for the old blues groups to meet and talk about how things used to be," he says. "I will miss the people, the characters but most of all the music."

McKenna and staff posted the following on the Grand Dell Saloon's Facebook page:

We'd like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to all our patrons, friends, fans and supporters who helped keep The Grand Dell Saloon a Campbell mainstay for many decades. Since we have only 4 nights of world-class music left at the Dell, we'd like to invite everybody to come on down this week and party in style!

Live music continues until Saturday, Aug. 3 with "monster blues harp-man Mark Hummel and his equally accomplished partner-in-crime, Sid Morris, on piano" Wednesday, July 31.

On Thursday, Aug. 1 will feature "our world-famous blues jam hosted by Aki Kumar, Eric Selenger, Ray Figueroa and Carlos Velasco. Thursday night's featured guest is Craig Horton, one of the few "real deal" bluesmen here in the Bay Area." 

Friday, Aug. 2 will feature special appearance by "surf-guitar virtuoso, Martin Cilia, also known as Australia's "Dick Dale." Martin is on a tour of the West Coast with his band and opening for them will be the SF Bay's very own Surf music maniacs, BroDaddy! This show has a $10 cover and we urge all live music lover to come on out and support this great touring act." 

FINAL show is this Saturday night, Aug. 3 and will be a BBQ and Blues feature. "Saturday night's entertainment is Chris Brown and the Uptown Blues band featuring the legendary Gary Smith (and Johnny Cat on guitar)."