Destination San Rafael 2012: A Powerhouse of Musical Venues

Posted by Lisa Mallon on Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 at 2:42pm.

In Marin’s county seat of San Rafael – the news in the last week of two major music venues in the works for early spring (or sooner) is big and exciting news. Phil Lesh’s purchase of the Seafood Peddler in the canal neighborhood brings this Grateful Dead bassist back to the same neighborhood where the band maintained its’ business arm, rehearsal spaces and archives from 1970-95. The restaurant will remain intact with a change in menu and the current pavilion space alongside the restaurant will shut down for major renovation and re-open as The Grate Room in early 2013. The entire project has been aptly named Terrapin Crossroads. This represents a dream realized for Phil and his wife Jill who unsuccessfully tried to get approval from the Town of Fairfax for a similar concept along Sir Francis Drake Blvd in 2011. The sentiment of many long-standing Marin County residents alike is “Fairfax’s loss is San Rafael’s ENORMOUS gain.”

Another supper club opening in early spring is the Fenix Supper Club located at 919 Fourth Street in downtown San Rafael. This club will have a “globally –oriented” menu with live music from national and local performers. The musical genres will include rock, blues, Americana, bluegrass, gospel, jazz and latin. This club represents the second musical venue along Fourth street with the re-opening last year of New George’s.

San Rafael has shed the “step sister” identity to more charming downtown communities such as Mill Valley, Larkspur & San Anselmo. It has become a destination in its own right with the redevelopment of the downtown area, Thursday night downtown farmer’s market, twice weekly civic center farmer’s market, monthly downtown art walk, numerous ethnic restaurants , deli’s, coffee houses and the Rafael Theater. Welcome to San Rafael and I hope you enjoy your stay!

As a resident of central Marin and San Rafael for over 20 years, I have an in-depth knowledge of neighborhoods and schools in San Rafael and throughout Marin County. Call me to discuss realizing your dream of purchasing a home in Marin in 2012.