Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant & Music Club

11/30/2025

Sadly this is a post about two former Johnny D'ers who have passed recently. I am not timely in this post but wanted to be sure to speak of my gratitude for each of their contributions to that which was the best of Johnny D's. Chronologically at the club lending his talents was Pat Curley (seen below in a classic kitchen shot with CJ Chenier, Ronniie Earl and and early version of CJ's Red Hot Louisiana band). We are talking late 80's or very early 90's. Pat was not only a sound engineer that made every band feel properly taken care of and sound they way they wanted. He was also side by side with the great Flo Murdock (who outlasted him in that underground office and later was side by side with Dana Westover) in the very early days as we were trying to find our footing as a eclectic music room. Flo (RIP) really loved working with Pat and the picture below is actually from her fb. Together they were a great part of the great music that graced our stage. Pat met his then Tuft's grad wife Evelyn at Johnny D's and I am happy to know the magic of those walls were part of their story. I give it to Tuft's students Evelyn and Marla back in those days when the post Country Western Johnny D's was only in its recent past, and Davis still had remnants of the 'Slumerville' in its perception (Winter Hill Gang still a thing back then too). Hats off to Pat for being part of the early team and good timing for Evelyn as they had a long marriage and two children (not all romances in JD's lasted lol).

Phil Savage, the handsome wholesome looking Mainer, and one of, if not, the, favorite floor manager was bestowed by the universe in the early 2000's. TBH I do not know the story of how or why Phil came to JD's and if anyone does I would love to know. Phil's charm and work ethic kept the floor running smoothly, whether you were the staff working under his supervision, or the staff working alongside him in the kitchen or bar, or gulp even Tina, you were his fan. When I wrote something on Phil's obit page I mentioned the twinkle in his eye, and then only to scroll down and see others mention that twinkle too. Phil was also a prankster so when he and Sean got together, they loved pulling pranks on Tina. Somewhere in my closet of pictures I have a whole booklet of photos with them 'mockumenting' Tina's unrelenting suspicion that our (constantly needing to be re-ordered) JD pens where actually ending up in the toilets, then clogging the old plumbing. Can't say for sure she liked that prank but she had a great sense of humor so I am sure she laughed. It was a gift to have had Phil with us and he even got his sisters Jill and Jana to be part of the D's for a bit. The Savage family are salt of the earth New Englanders. Thank you for service lol. Every person who believed in Johnny D's vibe truly contributed to its progress and our success could not have been achieved without.
Now I hope it is a long time before I have to write about the passing of anyone under 90. and thank you for reading if you got this far. https://obituaries.bangordailynews.com/obituary/philip-savage-jr-1093291758

10/12/2025

tomorrow. also available on zoom.

care about your square:)

03/12/2025

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

03/09/2025

Please share this sun study for those who care about Davis Square neighborhoods (and sunlight).

Hard to know where to begin. Somehow we' are down a path of Burren/McKinnon's/Dragon Pizza versus the ultimate solution to climate and housing problems in the city and beyond.

This could be a good idea but it's in a bad location. We are only faced with this because a particular owner made a deal with a developer with a much smaller scope (6-7 stories) that was to keep the businesses running and less Assembly square vibes. Surprise surprise it exponentially got bigger (25 stories and very Seaport district style) and the city's investment in Davis aside from bike lanes has been nil so people are desperate for anything that might breathe life.

All the promises around rent mean nothing when the build outs of any local business to return will be extremely prohibitive. Are they going to pay to put each business back in an operational state? I didn't hear that. Easy million to rebuild a restaurant the size of the Burren.

The disturbances around the whole area will be longer than said and worse. And other businesses will suffer and potentially also leave. More vacant buildings and then likely more chains. And then Davis goes by way of Harvard.

This is a bad location for a good (although still too big) idea. And I hope we all get to see that we are being fed a false choice.

Imagine if something near the TAB building that would help Teele Square as well? or parcels where people are walking 5 or 10 minutes?

I am not here to argue the extraordinary merit of these businesses for the community. I do not think this is or should be a pittiing of people, especially along the lines of natives or newbies, people appreciate these particular independent businesses or not. Certainly not pro climate or pro housing versus three businesses.

I grew up in Somerville (148 Powderhouse Blvd and 'hung: in Teele Square). I ran a business that had to transition from the Old Somerville pre-1984 MBTA to the post. New people and new ideas are important just as the input and memories of those who have kept Somerville going.

I say demand the city find a better location and put money into beautifying/electrifying Davis Square. Cleaner. Better sidewalks. Flower program for businesses as done decades ago (Ricky's Flowers back then), more events in 7 Hills etc.

And remember Support Local Businesses for your own sake too. Next public meeting TBA. (Copper Mill incorporated in 2023 and has yet to start it complete a project).

11/28/2022

Sadly another post about the passing of a loved friend and former manager and bartender. Aaron Baird (renamed inside JDs as Aaron 'Bardolino' to more match his flare by the ever present bar manager of bar managers, Mike Q) worked in the early days as Johnny D's transitioned to restaurant and recognized music club. You noticed Aaron, his voice, his walk, his style, his hair. He was so unique but as salt of the earth as it gets. You automatically loved him. These guys in this picture, John B, Eric, and Mike Q were JD brothers, slamming out drinks, entertaining the customers, keeping each other laughing, and getting the hard-to-earn approval of Tina D. I bet David and Tina had a good pour Sambuca waiting. Our condolences to his family and friends.

07/23/2022

I received very sad news about Flo Murdock passing yesterday. My only comfort is that she must be having quite a time with so many of the musicians she has loved over the year who preceded her. Flo worked diligently to bring some of the most amazing talent through the doors of Johnny D's for many many years. If you didn't see them at our club, but somewhere along the North east corridor, you can still thank Flo for probably being the impetus for a tour to get them out of Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee etc. and into the hearts and minds of East Coasters. She was so moved by music and her entire being would light up when any of her favorites walked in to set up for the night. When I think of her looking back, it was almost like she levitated she was so full of excitement. She truly appreciated great talent and devoted her talents to share it with you. Off the top of my head, Bobby Blue Bland, Marty Stewart, Dick Dale, Texas Tornados (Flaco, Doug, and Freddy), El Vez, Beau Jocque, Steve Riley, DL Menard, Townes Van Zandt, CJ Chenier...all brought to you by her love for them...and many more too. She was fun and funny and strong eminded and well loved. She would make me more aware of so much and was a mentor to me in many ways. She even got along well with my mom so you know she is good stuff. I first met Flo over the phone when she was booking Sleepy La Beef for one New England's premiere country talent agency John Penny. We got along so well over the phone and her knowledge and love of music just came right through that landline. Then I said, Hey Flo, want to help book this club, and thank God she said yes. She hesitated at first not knowing the buyer's end of it, but she learned quickly and became a master. I owe a debt of gratitude to Flo. RIP. See less
Comments

08/01/2021

https://secure.everyaction.com/mtG2mOpJ-EmSIg2WjD4cSA2?emci=dbb06907-ebee-eb11-a7ad-501ac57b8fa7&emdi=1171f7a3-7ef0-eb11-b563-501ac57b8fa7&ceid=279381

03/13/2021

I did some visualization today. Walking by the front windows, peeking in to see a full room of people dancing, smiling, eating, drinking, clapping, talking, laughing. Enter the front door, see the friendly faces of the door folks, turn to my right and see Tina at the stool (smoking :)), knowing she had sized everyone up before they even had their hand on the door handle to enter, Mike at the bar, fully aware and ready to serve, walk a bit farther in, take a left into the main room. squeezing into the sound board/host stand area, Dana at the helm, and then, climbing on a stool to see over the crowd, and feel the energy of the Johnny D's community having fun. I found a picture of a calm Johnny D's set up for possibly the Rickie Lee Jones show. So I posted this. I hope you get a moment to close your eyes and do your visualization of your friends, family, and can conjure up that glorious feeling we all shared many times, even if we didn't know each other. OH - in case you don't know, it is 5 years ago we had our Final show and parade. I have to go. I have more hugs I can feel when I think about my brother David and his beautiful mane of hair pulled back, smiling at the host stand, also smoking 🙂with a laugh and a no bu****it allowed. My images of my dad in those magical walls are more distant and yet, without a Johnny D, there would have been no Johnny D's!! . Thank you for being part of my heart. I am happy now with my time free and many new things to do (go away Covid), and I have enjoyed sharing so many of my memories with you. Thank you again.

01/02/2021

Hey Folks. I am just reposting and hoping to keep this response rate growing. ----- I hope you are all doing well in the crazy times where surviving a virus with a roof over your head is considered lucky. I am reaching out today because I think it is very important for all of us to fight for local businesses, and certainly dining and nightlife in Davis. Please go to this link. It won't be more than 5 minutes. It is a google survey that tallies answers to questions around reasons and habits of customers of Davis Square businesses (Google forms does not link any contact to responses). I, along with the many other local businesses and property owners are very upset with the City of Somerville for pulling this in the manner they went about it and in the street design they plan on implementing in Fall of 2021. To cut to the chase, they plan to remove essentially all car parking 24/7/365 on Holland Street and College Ave and replace with bike/bus lanes. Net permanent loss of 32 spots, and the spots they consider as make up go to residential permit at 8pm. I was the one who alerted the Somerville Theater about it when 9 Bar Espresso coffee shop showed me the flyer that had been circulated 4 days before the Zoom meeting of a "Proposed Final Design". Imagine not alerting the 900 Capacity Theater!! I mean come on, you don't notify the local businesses for input in the process (wonder why) but surely get the Tax, Water and other Fee bills out. Local Businesses breathe life into Davis!! Dining, Live Music and Nightlife breathe life into us!!. If we didn't know that before, after months without live music and fun bars, and places closing left and right, we certainly understand the value now. Please take this survey. We need to show strength and our customer data to these school educated officials who likely never even had a lemonade stand. Yes I am pi**ed and not tiptoeing (and I am Italian and an Aries). If they earnestly reached out to us, instead of lip service to such, I would speak less angrily. I spent the last month doing that, and that is over. Please pass to your friends.
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Davis Square Customer Questionnaire
DOCS.GOOGLE.COM
Davis Square Customer Questionnaire
Please help us get to know you and support local businesses. Please

12/31/2020

Hey Folks. I hope you are all doing well in the crazy times where surviving a virus with a roof over your head is considered lucky. I am reaching out today because I think it is very important for all of us to fight for local businesses, and certainly dining and nightlife in Davis. Please go to this link. It won't be more than 5 minutes. It is a google survey that tallies answers to questions around reasons and habits of customers of Davis Square businesses (Google forms does not link any contact to responses). I, along with the many other local businesses and property owners are very upset with the City of Somerville for pulling this in the manner they went about it and in the street design they plan on implementing in Fall of 2021. To cut to the chase, they plan to remove essentially all car parking 24/7/365 on Holland Street and College Ave and replace with bike/bus lanes. Net permanent loss of 32 spots, and the spots they consider as make up go to residential permit at 8pm. I was the one who alerted the Somerville Theater about it when a 9 Bar Espresso coffee shop showed me the flyer that had been circulated 4 days before the Zoom meeting of a "Proposed Final Design". Imagine not alerting the 900 Capacity Theater!! I mean come on, you don't notify the local businesses for input in the process (wonder why) but surely get the Tax, Water and other Fee bills out. Local Businesses breathe life into Davis!! Dining, Live Music and Nightlife breathe life into us!!. If we didn't know that before, after months without live music and fun bars, and places closing left and right, we certainly understand the value now. Please take this survey. We need to show strength and our customer data to these schooled officials who don't get it. Yes I am pi**ed and not tiptoeing (and I am Italian and an Aries). I spent the last month doing that, and that is over. Please pass to your friends.
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Please help us get to know you and support local businesses. Please forward to anyone you know who comes to Davis Square. This does NOT add you to any mailing list. The City of Somerville, without input from the business community, has proposed a street design that removes essentially all street par...

07/08/2020

Life without Independent Small Music Venues? NO THANKS!! Please go to www.SaveOurStages.com to send a letter to Congress. The form for the letter is already filled in, you just have to add your name. It takes less than 30 seconds.

   Time is running out to Save our StagesThe mission of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent live music venues and promoters throughout the United States. This is our final push to Congress and there won’t be another opportunit...