When word broke a few weeks back of the impending return of Long Wong's to Tempe, I'm sure Valley music lovers had visions of the Gin Blossoms or Dead Hot Workshop headlining its grand opening.
Sorry to disappoint, but Robin Wilson and the boys won't be playing at tonight's unveiling of the bar and restaurant. Neither will Dead Hot Workshop, the Beat Angels, Sand Rubies, or any of the other bands who made the old Long Wong's on Mill Avenue infamous during its glory days.
There are still some quality guitar-slingers making an appearance at the opening night party of Long Wong's at the Firehouse (which gets going at 5 p.m. this evening), however. Owner Avi Sadote has booked former weatherman-turned-troubadour Brad Perry and local folk musicianSage Gentle-Wing to perform while patrons chow down on chicken wings and whatnot.
Both cats will also make regular appearances every Tuesday, which is part of eclectic array of live entertainment. Get the rest of the schedule after the jump.
Sadote told me that the restaurant will be markedly different from the Long Wong's of old, with more "acoustic-driven" acts and musicians being featured.
As such, you can expect plenty of low-key performances by a variety of local folksters, blues bands, Americana types, and unplugged artists.
For instance, jazz band the Joe Amos Quintet visits on Fridays at 5 p.m., followed by the Digital Blues Band at 8 p.m.
Perry also performs a second weekly set on Saturdays at 6 p.m., and the restaurant will also host a pair of weekly open mic nights on Sunday and Monday.
