This week’s column is going to be slightly different than others in that it concerns a bar (a hardcore club, to be more accurate) that, regrettably, is scheduled to close its doors in the near future. Indeed, as of November 2013, New London will be forced to go without the dynamic musical scene offered by EL N GEE. Until someone offers to buy and reopen this club, local – and national – bands that often grace their stage will have to take their business elsewhere.
So why write this column? In part, I do so as a testament to a truly unique and compelling environment, which – as is the case with so many New London establishments – few Conn students have ever had the chance to visit. But my motivation is not entirely nostalgic. A highly notable feature of EL N GEE (simply known as “the GEE” by locals) is that its patron base extends far beyond the city that it calls home. Music fans – most notably members of various underground punk scenes – come from a multitude of places to see performances at this venue.
Many students on campus describe Conn as a “bubble,” but there also seems a pervasive – if less explicit – tendency on our part to characterize New London with the same metaphor. More often than not, the city is perceived as a stop between New York and Boston, rather than an active destination for travelers. Who would go to New London?, you may ask. In EL N GEE, we find an answer to this question.
Situated on the corner of Green St. and Eugene O’Neill Drive (past the large whale murals, if you are coming from State St.) EL N GEE is recognizable by the large red capital letters spelling out its name. Next to these letters is a sign featuring upcoming musical acts. Although generally known as a “hardcore” or “underground punk” club, EL N GEE has been open to hiring musicians who play in a variety of styles and genres. The club is the only all-ages venue in New London and encourages underage individuals to stop by and enjoy a good show (albeit while sober). Generally, there will be a cover charge of between five and ten dollars on a concert night.
The EL N GEE consists of a single, large room split up into two sections. To the right (of one who has just entered the establishment), is the bar. Because EL N GEE opens its doors to patrons of all ages, the bar area is separated from the rest of the club by a partial wall. A staff member checking IDs will generally be stationed at the entryway to this space. The EL N GEE has a number of beers on tap (mostly standards – Bud Light, PBR, Guinness, etc.) as well as a large fridge storing bottled beverages. The bar table is quite large, and fits about twenty stools quite easily. There are also several booths – positioned against the partial wall – directly across from the table.
To the left of the bar area, on the other side of the wall, is a short passage which leads to the second section of EL N GEE: the stage. EL N GEE – relative to other New London bars – features a spacious dance floor and a massive stage. During nights featuring hardcore bands, the dance floor generally develops a mosh pit feel – with a core group of dancers stationed front and center, and a larger crowd of less active listeners surrounding them. The atmosphere of this space is subject to change, however, with the style of music being played. More eclectic sets give rise to the sort of dancing common at FNL concerts and MOBROC shows here at Conn. (Although if you do want to check out a hardcore concert, no need to fear the dance floor – I’ve never seen or heard of anyone getting hurt).
Décor in EL N GEE is fairly minimal. Several signs for various beers hang from the walls, and a small statue of Jesus is amusingly perched atop the fridge. The club’s dark walls, however, create most of the atmosphere and help to create an immersive musical experience for both performers and audience members. EL N GEE has only one window (positioned on the front wall), but patrons are granted access to a large fenced-in patio area – if you feel the need to momentarily remove yourself from a concert and reconnect with the outside world.
So let’s return to my initial promise: that EL N GEE presents a great example of New London’s far-reaching appeal. In the short time (only about three months) since I first visited the club, EL N GEE has welcomed patrons from Massachusetts, New York, Canada, and all parts of Connecticut. Undoubtedly, individuals from a number of other locations also visited the club during this time, and simply flew under my radar (it is, after all, difficult to keep track of activity at 21 bars).
Much of this widespread popularity is due to EL N GEE’s strong reputation. The club – in one incarnation or another – has been open for about seventy years. The Ramones and Nirvana have both graced its stage, along with a host of lesser-known but still highly regarded acts. I can only hope that a musically oriented entrepreneur will purchase EL N GEE in the near future, and continue this wonderful tradition.
