Melody Bar

The Melody Bar, located on French Street in New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a vibrant live music and dance club that operated from March 1981 until its sudden closure in 2001. The venue was initially a neighborhood bar serving the Hungarian community before being transformed by owners Cal Levine and Steve Flaks. They retained the name "Melody" after the daughter of the previous owners. The club quickly became a hotspot for alternative rock, goth, punk, New Wave, and post-punk music, drawing a diverse crowd of artists and music enthusiasts. DJs at the Melody Bar spun tracks by iconic bands like The Smiths, The Cure, and Depeche Mode, and the club's small dance floor was often packed with energetic patrons.The Melody Bar was frequented by notable figures from the art and music scenes, including Miles Hunt of The Wonder Stuff, Mick Jones of The Clash, and Beat generation poet Gregory Corso and former Rutgers student, James Gandolfini. MTV's late-night alternative music presenter and local radio personality Matt Pinfield also deejayed at the club before his rise to fame, attracting large crowds. The venue was not only a music hub but also a space for visual art, showcasing works from local artists and students from Mason Gross School of the Arts. Despite its popularity, the Melody Bar faced challenges due to changing city ordinances and economic pressures, leading to its closure in 2001. Technically not the Shore, but still, frequented by many shore area residents over the years. The club remains a cherished memory for many who experienced its unique and eclectic atmosphere.