Bradfordville Blues Club in Tallahassee, FL – Best Old Time Juke Joint to Hear Live Blues

Set deep in the Tallahassee, Florida countryside, the Bradfordville Blues Club is a juke joint that rekindles the flame of the blues. The cinderblock and portrait-lined space has hosted legends like B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Clarence Carter and draws crowds of locals and visitors alike who come to sway and dance to bluesy beats.

What is the Bradfordville Blues Club?

The Bradfordville Blues Club is a one-room cinder block juke joint located in a rural part of Tallahassee, Florida. It is renowned as one of the best old-time juke joints to hear live blues in Tallahassee, FL. The unique location, tucked away in the countryside, is surrounded by fields of tall stalks of corn and old majestic oak trees dripping with moss. This rustic setting, combined with the impressive list of nationally-renowned blues acts that have performed at the venue, makes it a truly unique experience.

The wide array of autographed portraits of blues “Kings and Queens” that are used as table tops and wall hangings are a testament to the quality of entertainment and talent that can be found at the club.

The Bradfordville Blues Club is open on Friday and Saturday nights and offers a selection of ice-cold beers and wine. The club has hosted a range of artists including Bobby Blue Bland, Bobby Rush, Jimmy Rogers, Duke Robillard, Kenny Neal, Big Daddy Kinsey, and more. After the performances, the bonfire out back creates an atmosphere perfect for romance and relaxation.

The Bradfordville Blues Club is the perfect place to come and experience the best the blues have to offer. With its unique setting, impressive list of performers, and romantic bonfire, it is easy to see why it is considered one of the best old-time juke joints in Tallahassee, FL.

Bradfordville Blues Club Links:

Bradfordville Blues Club History

The Bradfordville Blues Club has a long and storied history as part of the “chitlin’ circuit” of African-American performers who played music in the rural parts of South Georgia and Florida’s northern line during the era of segregation.

The Henry family, descendants of slaves and local indigenous people, have owned the property on which the club sits since the early 1900s. The grounds served as a community gathering place and hosted the CC Saints, a Black baseball team, in the 1930s through the 1980s. In addition, a bonfire has burned in the same spot for over 100 years, and musicians gathered around it to play music, make merry and enjoy homemade spirits.

Around 1963, the locals constructed the building that houses the club and Inez Henry ran it. Blues was the mainstay, and she would hire bands from all over the place, though the only one she remembered was named “Tommy.”

In 1992, Tallahassee resident Dave Claytor reopened the club and called it Dave’s CC Club. He began bringing in great acts such as Jimmy Rogers, Bobby Blue Bland, Little Milton, Gatemouth Brown, Bobby Rush and Henry Gray. However, Dave eventually couldn’t keep the club going, and it closed in December 2001.

Gary and Kim Anton, the current owners of Bradfordville Blues Club, are a dynamic and passionate duo with a deep love and appreciation for blues music. They took over the venue with the goal of preserving its rich history and maintaining its reputation as the best blues club in Tallahassee. With their combined experience in the music industry and business, they have successfully revitalized the club, bringing in new talent and hosting successful events.

The club has been revitalized by local blues fans and continues to be a gathering place for music and merriment. The bonfire still burns and the music still plays, just as it has for over a century.

What to Expect when Visiting the Bradfordville Blues Club

1. Bradfordville Blues Club: Venue

The Bradfordville Blues Club is a one-room cinder block “juke joint” located in a rural part of Tallahassee that offers visitors a unique atmosphere and the best the Blues has to offer. Visitors can expect to experience a cozy yet lively atmosphere with nationally renowned Blues acts, traditional Blues music, and an array of food and drinks.

2. Bradfordville Blues Club: Live Blues

At the Bradfordville Blues Club, visitors can enjoy a variety of live blues music. The club has hosted legendary performers such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Clarence Carter and features local and national musicians. The music ranges from soulful blues to upbeat blues-rock and everything in between. There are also frequent performances by local songwriters and singers, providing a unique experience for music lovers of all genres. No matter what your taste in blues music is, the Bradfordville Blues Club is sure to provide a great night of fun and entertainment.

3. Bradfordville Blues Club: Performances

The Bradfordville Blues Club offers a wide range of musical performances, featuring artists from genres such as blues, soul, and rock. Notable acts that have performed at the club include Bobby Rush, Nick Schnebelen, Joanna Connor, Big Al And The Heavyweights, and Eddie 9V.

4. What is the atmosphere like at the Bradfordville Blues Club?

The atmosphere at the Bradfordville Blues Club is truly unique and unforgettable. As you drive down the winding dirt roads and up the hill that lead to the club, you find yourself surrounded by fields of tall stalks of corn and old majestic oak trees dripping with moss.

Once inside, you can feel the energy of the live music emanating from the one-room cinder block juke joint. The more than 50 original portraits autographed by the “Kings and Queens” of the Blues, which serve as table tops and wall hangings, give the place an almost mystical quality.

The bonfire burning nightly in the large oaks adds to the ambiance and creates a romantic setting. You can meet the artists and mingle with other blues fans or simply sit back and relax during the set breaks. Whether you are a serious blues fan or just looking for a unique evening out, the Bradfordville Blues Club is sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget.

The Bradfordville Blues Club is a unique and authentic venue located deep in the Tallahassee, Florida countryside. The cinderblock and portrait-lined space is filled with the memories of the bygone era of southern juke joints and the music of blues legends like B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Clarence Carter. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, with the smells of deep-fried catfish and onions and the smoky aroma of burning wood from the bonfire. All of these elements combine to create an unforgettable experience and a place to enjoy great music, good food, and a festive atmosphere.

5. What types of blues music can be heard at the Bradfordville Blues Club?

At the Bradfordville Blues Club, you can experience a wide range of blues music. From classic electric blues to Delta and Chicago blues, the Bradfordville Blues Club has hosted many nationally renowned blues acts. You can also hear traditional blues, modern blues, roots blues, and blues-rock. The club also offers a good selection of ice-cold bottled beers and wine to enjoy while listening to the music. The intimate atmosphere of the club allows for an unforgettable experience that captures audiences as they sway and twirl and dance to the unique bluesy beats.

6. Bradfordville Blues Club: Crowd

At the Bradfordville Blues Club, you can expect a lively crowd of blues enthusiasts swaying and twirling to the rhythm of the music. The intimate atmosphere of the club captures the audience and creates an ambiance that conjures memories of juke joints from a bygone era. People from all over the south come to enjoy the music of national blues bands, and local musicians keep the energy going with great tunes and cheap beers. Whether you’re a passionate blues fan or just looking for a good time, the Bradfordville Blues Club is sure to keep you entertained.

7. Bradfordville Blues Club: Atmosphere

Visiting the Bradfordville Blues Club is a truly unique experience. The winding dirt roads and hills leading to the club are surrounded by fields of corn and tall, moss-covered oak trees that transport you to another time. Inside, the cinder block “juke joint” is alive with the sounds of the blues. Blinking Christmas lights frame the stage and the walls are adorned with lacquered portraits of blues legends. Outside, a bonfire burns under the oaks, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere as people gather around to meet the artists, socialize, and relax during set breaks. The mouth-watering smells of fried catfish red velvet cake add to the experience and create an unforgettable night of music, food, and community.

8. Bradfordville Blues Club: Reputation

The Bradfordville Blues Club has a long and proud history, having been established in 1964 and hosting blues talent since before slavery was legal. It has become a cherished Tallahassee treasure, renowned for its intimate atmosphere that captures audiences as they sway and twirl and dance to bluesy beats. With walls adorned with portraits of legends like B.B. King, Ray Charles and Clarence Carter, the club has become a popular destination for locals and national musicians alike. Its bonfire, food during intermission, and cheap beers have all contributed to its positive reputation. According to one reviewer, the Bradfordville Blues Club is an amazing place to experience blues, rock and other musical genres all in one place.

9. How can I find out about upcoming events at the Bradfordville Blues Club?

Visit the Bradfordville Blues Club website or social media page to stay up-to-date on their upcoming events.

Make sure to purchase tickets ahead of time. This will help ensure you get the best seats in the house and don’t miss out on any of the great music and entertainment at the Bradfordville Blues Club.

10. Enjoy the Experience

To make the most of your experience at the Bradfordville Blues Club, follow these steps:

1. Dress up for the occasion – put your dancing shoes on and head to the club!
2. Look for outdoor seating areas for a more casual atmosphere.
3. If you’re looking for a louder atmosphere, check out the live music or blues music.
4. The club serves beer and wine only and smoking is only allowed outside.
5. Bike parking is available, as well as a private lot for cars.
6. Don’t forget to tip the friendly staff, who will be more than happy to help you make the most of your experience.
7. Lastly, don’t forget to take photos and leave reviews to let others know about your experience!

Final Thoughts

The Bradfordville Blues Club is a unique and charming venue that offers a range of blues and rock talent. The atmosphere of the place is enhanced by the historic backdrop and the welcoming bonfire.

The club is a Tallahassee treasure, and those who visit will appreciate the amazing talent and atmosphere. The staff take customer feedback seriously and use it to continually improve their services. Overall, it is a great place to visit for music lovers, and a must-see for those visiting the area.

UPDATE (2/8/2023): Gary Anton, the owner of Bradfordville Blues Club recently posted the following on the BBC Facebook page:

It’s time, folks. After 21 fantastic years of running the most magical club on the planet, it’s time to fully retire, visit family and friends, take in romantic sunsets and explore parts unknown. Sadly, we announce the closing of the Bradfordville Blues Club as of April 1, 2023 (no, not an April Fool’s joke). Kim and I have had the privilege of Keeping the Blues Alive at this historic and truly unique juke joint. We have been rewarded with friendships and love from the folks we’ve met from customers, our “irregulars”, musicians, bands and the community at large. Its taken a villiage to keep the club open. The Tallahassee and music communities responded with support, loyalty and financial aid when needed. We coud not have done it without you!

There are too many people to thank but there are two people, Walter Potter and Ree Case, without whom the club woud not have survived. They have been behind us since day one and to whom we are forever grateful!

We don’t know yet what the future holds for the club. It’s in the hands of members of the Henry Family who purchased the property in the 1880’s. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the Henry Family who supported us and kept the blues alive!

We are talking with folks who have expressed an interest in preserving the club. We truly hope that the right people come along who will have the same passion for the club, the music and the rich heritage of the Henry grounds. We’ll keep you posted.

To all of our supporters: We love you and thank you for allowing Kim and me to have the time of our lives. We hope to see you in February and March as we bring in some of the bands that have meant so much to us over the last two decades.

Peace and love, y’all!

Kim and Gary Anton

Happy Trails,

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