“I love exposing people to music, so when I heard [the venue] was looking for someone to run the bar and do the booking I jumped at the opportunity,” says Walters, a Kingston native who previously worked at the Bridgewater Café and the Basement. “Most of the artists get paid from donations, but occasionally we have a cover — usually around $5 or $7. Our aim for the spring and summer is to have at least two touring bands a month, though right now we’re focusing mainly on local acts.”
One of the Rondout Music Lounge’s regular local acts is Joey Eppard of the band 3, who’s appeared at the venue several times. “There’s a nice intimate energy in the room, and I really enjoy performing there,” says Eppard. “It’s like Kingston’s version of [hip New York club] the Living Room.”
The Rondout Music Lounge is open seven days a week from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. For a full events schedule and more information visit www.rondoutmusiclounge.com or call (845) 235-7098.
