by Jennifer Pells and Julie Hall March 18, 2012

Until fairly recently, night life on Bainbridge Island was notoriously sleepy. Islanders’ options used to be limited to dinner and a movie or drinks, but these days locals can enjoy a caliber of live music once only found across the pond in Seattle—and not just at night. Places like the Treehouse Cafe, Island Music Center, and even our own Park District are booking first-class entertainment from around the region, country, and world. Here are some great options for catching live music on the Rock.

Treehouse Café | Concerts Most Saturdays | 8 p.m. | 4569 Lynwood Center Rd NE | 206-842-2814 | Calendar | Upcoming: Eldridge Gravy plays March 31 at 8 p.m., with $18 advance tickets required.

Concerts spiced with food, drink, and dancing are typically sold out at this popular south-end food, pool, and music joint. Owner Arnie Sturham says, “the Treehouse Café is now just something different on the island.” Treehouse has live music 3-5 times a month, typically on Saturday nights, with occasional Friday night performances. Tickets are sold in advance for $15-$25, and at the door if available. Acts such as Greg Brown (returning this October) and the Clumsy Lovers, who played March 17, pack the house.

The 122 | Concerts Most Fridays | 8 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. | 241 Winslow Way W | 206-451-4440 | Calendar | Upcoming: Rule 62 plays March 23 at 9:30 p.m.

This recently relocated bar and restaurant offers concerts on most Friday nights, DJ and Karaoke nights on Saturdays that fill the house, and Trivia nights on Mondays. Large groups, parties, couples, and families alike now have another place to have fun. Read more about The 122.

Island Music Center | Concerts Various Days and Times | 10598 NE Valley Rd | 206-780-6911 | Calendar | Upcoming: Star Anna and the Laughing Dogs Saturday March 31 at 8 p.m., with $10-20 advance tickets required.

Formerly the Music Guild, these days Island Music Center is attracting a wide range first-rate performers, including Grammy-award winners, as well as music festivals and events, throughout the year. Learn more about this great Island resource.

Pegasus Coffee House | Concerts Most Fridays and Saturdays | 8 p.m. | 131 Parfitt Way SW | 206-842-6725 | Calendar | Upcoming: Steve Grandinetti plays March 23 at 8 p.m.

On the relaxed side, the long-running coffee house music scene at Pegasus draws a steady crowd. An antipasto plate, cocktail, and set or two of live eclectic blues on a Friday or Saturday night make a great recipe for dissolving work-week worries.

The Harbour Public House (“The Pub”) | Open Mic Night First Tuesdays of the Month | 8 p.m. | 231 Parfitt Way SW | 206-842-0969 | Website

Hosted by Todd Houghton, Open Mic Night at The Pub happens every first Tuesday from 8 p.m. until closing. Bring your talent or your listening ears to this favorite Island eatery with a view of Eagle Harbor.

Fork & Spoon | Summer Concerts on Thursdays and Fridays | 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. | 120 Madrone Lane N #100 | 206-842-3675

Fork & Spoon, the newish spinoff of Blackbird Cafe, plans to bring back its summer concerts on their twinkling back patio on Thursdays and Fridays, usually at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Drinks and light fare are served.

The Bloedel Reserve | Concerts throughout the year | 7571 NE Dolphin Dr | 206-842-7631 | Calendar

The Bloedel Reserve offers a range of live music, from string quartets to kids’ performers such as Caspar Babypants to a summer blues fest. Intimate indoor concerts take place in the Visitor’s Center and in two larger outdoor venues in the summer—under their large tent on the lawn overlooking Puget Sound or in the Meadow near the Sheep Sheds.

Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District | Summer Concerts in the Parks | 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Various Locations | Details TBA

Our own Metro Park and Rec District is bringing back its Wednesday Evening Concerts in the Parks series this summer, details TBA. Last summer their Wednesday Concert series drew terrific bands from around the world, playing funk, blues, Middle Eastern vibes, rock, Dixieland jazz, and much more. The location of the weekly concerts alternated throughout the summer from Waterfront Park to Fay Bainbridge to Battle Point Park on their spiffy mobile stage.

Seabold Community Hall | Second Saturdays Live Music and Open Mic | Open Mic Signup 6:30-7 p.m., Open Mic 7:30 p.m., Featured Act 9:30 p.m. | 14450 Komedal Rd. | Calendar | Upcoming: Hank and Claire April 14.

General admission is $5, with kids and performers free of charge. Visit the Seabold Community Hall website for more information.

Jennifer Pells is a real estate agent with Windermere Bainbridge Island. Visit her website at www.jenniferpells.com.

Image courtesy of Jennifer Pells.