OCEAN CITY – Thanks to a grand makeover, Trader Lee’s live showcase is new, fresh and unique while holding true to its long-standing history.
Owned by Bobby Jester, Trader Lee’s Village in West Ocean City includes a bar and entertainment venue that has been rocking for over 30 years on a part-time basis. Jester and partners Scott LeClaire, Rod Vara and John Rodgers have taken on a complete renovation of the venue that is now called the OC House of Rock.
For years, Trader Lee’s has provided a live showcase for big events, such as Bike Week, as well as held many performances and fundraisers. The principals are excited to show off its makeover this weekend during a soft opening on Saturday, March 14, from 5-9 p.m. with entertainment provided by Transfusion.
According to management, the soft opening this weekend will be followed by a grand opening in upcoming weeks that will feature a big band line-up.
A tired and antiquated space has been spun into a whole new venue, the OC House of Rock, management stated. Trader Lee’s has a deep history and that foundation is being built on to provide one of mid-Atlantic’s best live venues.
Over the past month a total metamorphous has taken place. The venue has been remodeled with fresh paint,
Along with a new stage, new flooring and remodeled bar, a chandelier crafted out of a drum kit is one of the many enhancements made to the former Trader’s Lee in West Ocean City.
trusses and even a chandelier crafted out of a drum kit. There is also a new stage, lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system as well as a new rock star lounge and green room.
The new showcase will host upcoming, regional bands as well as well-established, traveling acts.
The venue will target a little bit of everything to please everybody’s favorite music genre from bluegrass, jazz and reggae to modern rock, classic rock and progressive acts.
According to management, the principles are networking with local musicians as people are coming out of the wood work because they are excited to see a venue come alive in Ocean City that will be similar to the former Scandals and Talbot Street Café and rival the Bottle & Cork in Dewey.
“I am very excited about the transition that has taken place at Trader Lee’s and I am looking forward to a great summer showcasing a lot of local talent and musicians. We are making it come alive,” LeClaire said.
Management thanked everybody in the community who came out who painted, cleaned, installed sound and light, tiled and conducted a total renovation in 30 days.