Our Story
The Drake is a one-of-a-kind, world class live music and performing arts venue in the heart of downtown Amherst, MA. Our mission is to support arts, culture, and community as a 501c3 non-profit run by the Downtown Amherst Foundation.
Founded on the heels of the global pandemic in the spring of 2022 the Drake was an answer to a town-wide call for a long needed live music, nightlife, and arts space. As an economic driver The Drake is a regional destination to compliment the area’s long established academic climate, rich arts culture, and local New England history.
In 4 years of operation the venue has been a home to prominent national and global acts (from Dinosaur Jr. to Tank & the Bangas, Regina Carter, the Lemonheads) as well
as beloved local talent.
Much more than just a club, The Drake provides ongoing support and programming with Amherst Regional public schools and students, and special curated music series with partners Amherst
College and the UMass Fine Arts Center.
Supported in part by grants and public donations, The Drake serves as a partner for other area non-profit organizations as a site for benefit events and activities.
The venue belongs to the people - fully accessible to all, including open mic nights and monthly jazz jam sessions, free to students.
And at the heart, The Drake is a pillar of community for the people of Amherst and beyond.
Why Save the Drake ?
Our name is owed to piece of local Amherst lore. Generations ago The Drake was a beloved basement tavern in what was once the Perry Hotel, one block away on Amity Street. As time went on the building was destined to change hands which meant the closing of the storied haunt in 1985, much to the chagrin of Amherst locals.
One such individual took up cause and fatefully spray painted “Save the Drake, For Willy, For Humanity” on the nearby walls of the cinema building. What would otherwise be considered graffiti in this case served as a nostalgic homage to a bygone era, and remains untouched for more recent generations of students and Amherst youth to wonder, “what is the Drake”?
This yearning was answered in 2022 when seeking a meaningful name to honor Amherst history and culture, especially emerging from a pandemic that ravaged the arts and performance world. The notion of “saving” something intangible speaks to our mission of supporting arts and culture through live music for current and future generations.
Save the Drake - For Willy, For Humanity
