Still Rockin’ Jerry’s Pizza

Craig Owens from the band D.R.U.G.S. sings to a packed crowd at Jerry’s Pizza. (Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com

For more than 20 years, Jerry’s Pizza has acted as a beacon of entertainment for both music and food lovers alike. Located in the heart of downtown Bakersfield, at 1817 Chester Ave., Jerry’s Pizza is a safe haven for many different musicians. In addition, Jerry’s Pizza provides people with an established venue for the live music scene. Ever since its grand opening in 1992, the pub has welcomed anyone with a sufficient appetite and a taste for music.

“We kinda heard the buzz at school that there was this new pizza place downtown,” said 38-year-old music enthusiast, Jeanette Benavente. “A lot of places that you go to where you have performers come in, the food tends to be mediocre, but the food at Jerry’s Pizza is actually really good.”

Although Benavente usually orders pizza when she attends Jerry’s, the pub also offers other tastes such as calzones, sandwiches, and burgers. For the 21-and-over crowd, alcoholic beverages may be purchased. Offering a variety of different foods and beverages allows Jerry’s Pizza to appeal to everyone’s taste buds. Besides offering plenty to drink and eat, the pub is a place where many different kinds of people come to hang out with friends. On any given night, people can expect to see Jerry’s Pizza roaring with laughter and buzzing with energy.

“Jerry’s Pizza is a place where I went to listen to great music with good friends,” said 28-year-old music connoisseur, Danielle Dillon. “It brings back a lot of very happy memories for me and reminds me of when I was younger.”

Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p. m. Monday through Saturday, Jerry’s Pizza welcomes people of all ages. In addition, the pub also welcomes a wide variety of different types of music lovers. From “punks” to “metal heads,” Jerry’s Pizza plays host to a broad spectrum of individuals. Whether catering to the older generation or a younger one, the doors to Jerry’s are always open.

“I think it’s important for the newer generations to be able to experience what us older generations got to enjoy,” Dillon said.

Music lies at the very core of what Jerry’s Pizza represents. Two upcoming shows to keep and eye out for are on Sunday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 24. The first show will feature the post-hardcore band Senses Fail, while the second show will feature pop-punk/rock band Bayside. More details about these concerts, as well as future events, can be found at the pub’s Facebook page. Concerts at Jerry’s Pizza allow music lovers to gather at one common place and share their passion for the art. It is for this reason that people can also expect to hear plenty of music blasting out from the pub’s sweltering basement.

“Jerry’s Pizza has had a pretty good impact and influence on my musical taste,” Dillon said. “It’s always fun seeing the opening acts that aren’t quite known and finding that you really actually like them.”

A typical picture of the crowd Jerry’s Pizza draws. (Photo courtesy http://www.flickr.com)