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| Owner of Cedar’s Eatery and founder of Baba’s Lounge, Maroun Abdallah with his son Ryan, whe helps look after Baba’s these days. |
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| Eyes for Telescopes will re-unite for a special show to commemorate Baba’s first fifteen years. |
On the 21st of December Baba’s Lounge will celebrate 15 full years of business with the return of one of the bar’s most popular bands Eyes for Telescopes, plus another musical guest, as well as food and drink. Opened in 1991 as a holding bar by the owners of the restaurant below, Cedar’s Eatery, the former attic was torn down and rebuilt in 1996 and expanded to twice its former size. Since then, Baba’s, which means “father” in Lebanese, has been one of the most popular bars in Charlottetown, as well as a musical venue that showcases both local and touring talent.
Staff member Ryan Abdallah, Maroun’s son, explains that the bar’s intention is to promote original music and never book cover acts. Showcasing bands that have just started out, many local acts have gotten their start playing the bar, including the anniversary’s feature act Eyes for Telescopes. The band played at the bar so regularly that they were considered Baba’s house band, and according to Abdallah, Baba’s and the band go hand in hand. “When people think of Eyes, they think of the best times that we ever had in this bar and vice versa.” Therefore, it makes perfect sense for the band to celebrate, along with all of Baba’s faithful patrons, the longevity of such an establishment.
Baba’s supports and celebrates local music and is an environment of constant creativity as seen by the bar’s Open Mic nights. According to Baba’s staff, it is not unusual, and actually quite incredible, to watch musicians meet and perform for each other, and eventually collaborate together as a band. Baba’s has also been a constant in supporting musical celebrations such as the ECMAs and this past summer once again hosted the 8th Close to the Coast music festival.
The bar, once described by Much Music as the biggest little rock bar, has had hundreds of performers grace its stage, showcasing every type of music from hip-hop to rock to folk. Diverse acts such as Sam Roberts, Dawson and Zubot, The Rude Mechanicals, Buck 65, Joel Plaskett, Matt Mays, Skratch Bastid, The Trews, Grand Theft Bus, Wasabi Collective, Jimmy Swift Band, and Sweet Oblivion have played the bar, demonstrating a wide range of music, as well as the bar’s impressive reputation.
However, it is not only the music that makes Baba’s such a desirable location, but the atmosphere of the bar and the people who help create this comfortable atmosphere. According to Michelle Morrison, owner of Back Alley Music and a Baba’s patron, the bar is a place where customers can feel like they are at their house hanging out with their friends. Amazingly it is also a business that does not cater to any particular age demographic or type of customer and everyone is welcome, no matter what brand of jeans they’re wearing.
Instead, Baba’s focuses on celebrating the arts and supporting local businesses by buying locally-grown food and working with other businesses such as Back Alley Music and The Buzz. Come celebrate Baba’s achievement December 21st as the bar shows its appreciation to its customers and acknowledges everyone’s support of both the bar and the numerous musicians that play there.
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