Description and review of The Side Door, an intimate music venue located in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Sacramento.
A Bit of Background
John Green, owner of Fifth String Music, established his retail instrument store in Sacramento in 1981. Over the years the business, which sold and serviced all things acoustic, changed locations several times. Fifth String Music evolved into a musical hub in Sacramento, as it also offered music lessons and a space for musicians at all levels of skill to gather.
Green closed his N Street location in 2017, ending the retail instrument aspect of the business. The business moved to its current location on Franklin Blvd. where Fifth String Music operates as both a music school and a venue for live music.
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The Side Door
It was an early Friday evening when I joined a group of Renaissance Society members to catch a bite to eat at Hop Garden Taproom prior to taking in a performance at The Side Door. The intimate 110 seat venue is located within Fifth String Music.
See related blog post: Hop Garden Taproom (coming soon)
This was my first visit to The Side Door, and I was looking forward to the experience. I had purchased tickets on-line beforehand for the performance by Laurie Lewis and Nina Gerber ($25), a duo from the Bay Area.
Two days prior to the show date I received an email notifying me that the show was “sold out,” so it is advisable if you can to purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets can also be purchased at the door, if available.
John Green books both established and emerging artists playing a variety of genres at The Side Door. Admission to performances is usually in the range of $20-$25. Green keeps the price of admission low by keeping staff to a minimum. No food or beverages are sold at the venue, but there are businesses nearby where one can purchase both. Note: Help yourself bottled water was available in the venue in exchange for a “donation.”
My companions and I entered Fifth String Music when the doors opened at 6:30 p.m. and secured good seats (metal folding chairs) immediately in front of the small stage. There is no assigned seating.
By the time 7:00 p.m. arrived the small room was packed!
The Artists – In Brief
Both Laurie Lewis and Nina Gerber are accomplished musicians. Both compose music, and Laurie also writes lyrics and sings.
Lewis was named the Female Vocalist of the Year twice by the International Bluegrass Music Association and she, among other accomplishments, won a Grammy for her contribution to True Life Blues: the Songs of Bill Monroe.
Gerber is a highly regarded acoustic and electric guitarist. She has played with many well-known artists. Her latest album Good Music with Good People features performances with Jackson Browne, among others.
The Concert
Laurie and Nina (and Nina’s very chill dog) took to the stage shortly after 7:00 p.m. After getting her greenie, the dog settled into her bed and kept an eye on everything.
The duo played for two hours straight, performing a variety of songs written and performed by Laurie, who took a break occasionally while Nina performed one of her instrumental works. Nina was incredible on the electric guitar, while Laurie mixed it up playing the acoustic guitar, banjo, and fiddle.
I would describe the music we heard that evening as a combination of bluegrass, folk and ballad.
During the concert the duo shared that the two of them had been playing together off and on for 40 years! Laurie loves nature and the outdoors, and several of the songs performed reflected that love. She also shared with the delighted audience comments on what inspired her to write the music and lyrics of each song prior to its performance.
To Sum Up
The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all. I know that I am not the only Side Door first-time attendee among our group who plans to return soon.
Comments on The Side Door?
What has been your experience at the Side Door?
The Side Door Sacramento Snapshot:
- 2900 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95818
- Small Parking Lot/Street Parking
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The article does a wonderful job of capturing what makes The Side Door such a special part of Sacramento’s music scene. I especially appreciated how it highlighted the venue’s intimate atmosphere, rich history through Fifth String Music, and the close connection between performers and audience members. The description of Laurie Lewis and Nina Gerber’s performance made it easy to imagine being in the room and experiencing the music firsthand. In an era dominated by large entertainment venues, places like The Side Door remind us that some of the most memorable musical experiences happen in small, community-centered spaces where artistry, storytelling, and genuine human connection take center stage.