Winters’ beloved music hall lives again
After its longtime manager retired and moved out of state, the Palms Playhouse in Winters sat shuttered for most of last year. Loyal patrons and performers feared the worst about their beloved music hall.
But in January, the 42-yearold venue was reopened by two friends, natives of Winters, intent on carrying on its traditions while broadening its appeal.
New operators Nora Cary, 30, and Andrew Fridae, 26, may not have run a business before, but they are no strangers to the music and theater scene. Both have attended shows at the Palms for years. Fridae is a puppeteer and former children’s theater actor, as well as a songwriter who performed in an acoustic band, while Cary is a former ballet dancer whose father and husband are musicians.
“We wanted to bring the Palms back because it makes people happy,’’ says Fridae, who reopened the venue Jan. 6 with a sold-out audience for the country music band I See Hawks in L.A. “It matters to them.’’
It has for a long time, ever since it was established in a rickety barn in Davis before moving in 2002 to the upstairs portion of the Winters Opera House, where it has been a showcase for folk and Americana music.
“It has created countless quality opportunities for musicians and listeners to connect, exchange, ignite sparks and be moved,’’ says Rita Hosking, a country-folk singer who has performed there more than 15 times. “My husband and I have played around the country and overseas, and we still find ourselves comparing places to the Palms. It’s one of our gold standards.’’
Cary and Fridae plan to keep to that genre, but expand upon it as well, while making sure tickets top out at an affordable $20.
“We’re trying to book a soulfunk ensemble,’’ Cary says. “We also want to try to bring in more acts to appeal to the Hispanic community here. We want to respect the tradition of it being an unpretentious, affordable place.’’
They hope to offer one or two concerts each week, plus other programming that may include dance or music classes, theater productions and open-mike nights. The space also might be used for weddings or high school dances.
To make the Palms, which has a beer and wine license, legally open to all ages, Cary and Fridae have to provide food. A food-truck-size kitchen is being built behind the bar that will turn out appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts, with local wineries such as Turkovich being spotlighted.
Cary and Fridae, who are financing the renovations themselves with the help of a few loans from local supporters, will spiff up the interior in phases. They’ve already installed a new sound system, as well as a wood laminate floor in the main theater space, which holds 220. The interior has been repainted and the worn carpet replaced.
Eventually, new artworks will be on display, including a unique one — pieces of old drywall from the original Davis green room signed by visiting musical performers of the ’70s and ’80s, which a bartender had safely stored away.
“While the Palms was closed, I think there was a real sense of loss in the community,’’ Cary says. “I’m just happy to be a part of it and help it continue.’’