Sharab's New Night

Last week's Train Wreck Wednesday at Sharab. Photo courtesy of Alex Coyle

Sharab Lounge added a new facet to its already diverse character. On Wednesday nights, a conglomeration of live music, art gallery and guest DJs will take over the downtown bar for Train Wreck Wednesdays. "We want to give Gainesville the free night it deserves," says Matt Kelly, one of the event organizers. "Every week it's going to be new art and new music."

Train Wreck Wednesday works on the premise of making the often overused term, something for everyone, true. By mixing different art mediums, musical genres and drink specials, Train Wreck Wednesdays takes care of its varied clientele. Last week Train Wreck Wednesdays began with local folk band Greenland is Melting (check out our interview with the band in the March issue out now), a photo exhibit by Fiorela Larrea and DJ Mike spinning. Drink specials included green drinks in honor of St. Patrick's Day and Mad Hat, a high-demand beer, which is only carried at Sharab. "The distributors are very exclusive," says Matt. " And they let us have it."

Matt, a UF architecture student and bartender at Sharab, has been living in Gainesville for seven years. Originally from Palatka, Fla., only 40 miles from Gainesville, the town's art and music is what he grew up on. "This is something that is very special to me," he says. "I want to bring more recognition to it, and show people what Gainesville has to offer."

Tonight, Train Wreck Wednesdays continues with hip-hop group The Will Brennan Group and DJ TCP. As for the drink special? Get a shot and a beer for the price of one.

-Stephanie Granada