Have a favorite genre of music? You won’t have to wait long before hearing it played live somewhere in Ocala.
Although sizable music venues and small clubs alike are scattered throughout Florida, you may not realize that some of the very best and intimate venues sit right here in town. Here, truly no genre is left unheard. Check out some of the best bets to get your groove on.
Charlie Horse Restaurant & Lounge
2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
charliehorseocala.com
(352) 622-4050
Charlie Horse features live music seven nights a week, whether indoors or out (on “the Big Deck”). The Horse’s music offerings include a weekly blues jam hosted by the Adams brothers (Mondays), a classic rock jam with Pat Jarnagin (Tuesdays)—as well as a karaoke bar.
Cup O’ The Irish
Maricamp Square, 3233 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala
thecupocala.com
(352) 694-0245
The Cup is an intimate venue, but hosting bands didn’t come by happenstance. Geoff and Francis Oldberg bought the Cup O’ The Irish a couple years ago and immediately set out to bring in a diverse stable of artists to entertain. Now it offers one of the most eclectic rosters of artists in town, strumming every Tuesday through Friday night.
“They originally told me they could fit 40 people inside, and I said if that’s true, 12 will be in the kitchen,” says veteran country singer John Johnson with a laugh. “It’s a really neat place, laid back, intimate. I love playing there. It’s like a living room concert—they even have a couch!”
Mojo Grill
4620 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
mojogrillandcatering.com
(352) 291-6656
Mojo boasts three locations, but, in our opinion, the best is Mojo Grill East on East Silver Springs Blvd., which spotlights Mojo’s “headlining” acts. Mojo Grill Belleview (4496 SE 100th Place, (352) 307-6656), and Ocala West (2015 SW 17th Street, (352) 369-6656) feature several acoustic, open-mic nights per month, usually hosted by Greg Pando.
Pi on Broadway
110 SW Broadway St., Ocala
pionbroadway.com
(352) 369-5100
It’s a sturdy competition, and Pi on Broadway is one of downtown Ocala’s best music venues, with a rooftop bar and stage without peer. Live music grooves every Thursday through Saturday, often featuring house favorite the Kimber Davis Band.
Tavern on the Square
11 E Silver Springs Blvd.
tavernonthesquareocala.com
(352) 390-8969
Staying true to a tavern’s original intent—a place not to brawl but to appreciate the finer things—Tavern on the Square is the tightest club in town. Take in the Tavern for all your jazz needs, be it Latin Night Fridays or jazz brunch on Sundays.
