Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel is a Rhode Island tradition, even though the physical location has moved a couple of times over the decades, it has always represented fun, but serious music. Its spirit is being reborn Sunday, Sep 10 as the Strand, formerly Lupos/The Strand, relaunches after months of renovations.
The RI music scene has been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this classic venue, and music fans will not be disappointed. The entire ground floor has been remodeled, with less seating and more bar space, more dancing room and a relaxed new layout. There are new seats and the upper and middle balconies have been refurbished, adding upstairs capacity. New security features will keep everyone safe, and there are new controls and luxurious curtains to keep things looking classy.
Perhaps most exciting are the innovations in projection and lighting control, “We wanted to bring the latest technology into this time-tested venue,” says developer and Strand co-owner Garry Williams, who is most excited about the new stage and the enhanced ability to bring hi-res graphics and lighting shows to that stage. “A great modern show has all these multi-media effects, and more options to create an amazing experience. We wanted to enable all of those options for major performers travelling through Providence, and for the locals that will perform here too,” added co-owner Frank Manfredi Jr.
And of course, the sound system has been completely reworked – to provide the best audio possible in every corner of the space, while working in concert with the lighting and other advancements in the control room.
The remodeled space is the brainchild of some of the old Strand/Lupos crew, including Jack Reich and Michael Delehanty – who have been booking the venue for decades and years, respectively – with new input and innovations brought in by Williams and Manfreddi, of the Rosendale Group. Rich Lupo, even as he steps away from the venue, also consulted on the renovations. Lupo will continue to own and operate the smaller Met Cafe in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village.
We road-tested the new space with its opening concert by the Descendants on Sep 10, and all the new systems did that band proud, bolstering an amazing performance by the classic punk band. Although security was overzealous for this new kick-off, the new space made for a great showcase, and a packed house made the most of the new sound, lights and a kick-ass performance by the Descendants that opens a promising new chapter in the history of ground breaking PVD music venues. Keep an eye out for a show that will let you check out the sleek new layout!