Thursday, October 1, 2026
There's a new night heating up the West End of Long Beach and it's all about live music. The Thursday night open mic and electric jam session, hosted by Ralph Palladino, features an all-star house band, local performers and bands that play solo, acoustic and electric guitar-based songs.
The Long Beach music scene has often been defined by the many talented solo acts who play covers for the restaurants and bars throughout the city. Bands are known for performing at special events like Groundswell at the Cabana on Irish Day; the Roast Beef Curtains rock out at the Inn, or the Roots Revelators can be seen performing at a private block party.
But for many local musicians, Minnesota's has become home lately to an emerging music scene where artists can perform and express themselves.
Like the creative, bohemian music scenes of the past in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district, New York City’s Cafe Wha? and the countless shows during the late 1960s and 1970s at the Fillmore East and West, Long Beach seems to be a mecca for new and emerging artists.
The jam sessions began a few months ago and have attracted a steady and loyal following of professional and amateur musicians performing everything from reggae and blues to rock and funk, along with covers of famous songs by Jimi Hendrix, the Allman Brothers Band, Funkadelic, Stevie Wonder, the Doors, Led Zeppelin, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Miles Davis and many more.
The house band kicks off the night with a 20 minute set with Ralph Palladino on vocals and guitar; Tim "Nugget" on bass, Dave Weintraub on drums and Drew Rudnic on keyboards. Their sound is funky yet refined, blending a mix of guitars, keys and groovy rhythms. The band is often is accompanied by horn players from the area including trumpet player Big Mike, tenor saxophonist Andrew Wolf and percussionists like Alex Flynn.
Bands can sign up at 9 p.m. and the house band starts around 10 p.m., and the venue rocks until about 1:30 a.m. each week. There is no cover charge and no minimum for the event. Full bands are welcome, backline provided.
Local musician Ben Metzger is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist and educator. For more information about the jam and Minnesota's, located at 959 West Beech St., call (516) 432-4080 or visit www.minnesotaslb.com.
