sarpenthistory

The original coffeehouse was opened in 1965 at 612 1/2 Page Blvd.
in Springfield Massachusetts. It was located in a renovated, below
street level, former neighborhood bowling alley.

The rose colored cinderblock walls lined with original art, the
black ceiling, the gleaming hard wood floors, cabaret seating,
large stage & superb sound system, the massive antique cash
register at the entrance, the immaculate kitchen lined with
coffee urns and espresso machines, the gourmet desserts, and
the signature beverage of the club, 'Red Stuff' are now legend.

It was a first establishment of its kind in Springfield, and caused
some controversy, ( as all pioneering good ideas do ), and had to
overcome a series of code enforcement hassles with the city.

We prevailed, the club became a legendary stop on the northeast
folk performers booking circuit, and the city council went back
to doing what most politicians do best, rather than protecting
the citizenry from folk singers.

The 'we' above refers to the clubs owners, and associates, all of
whom contributed to the many details that are now part of the
Sarp's history . . . Jay 'Bear' Avon, David Boyd, Art Carroll,
Connie & Doug Bradway, Phyllis Grossman, Harriet Golden,
Suzanne Sickler, Rick 'Mouse' Berger, Bob Lee, Dave Mowry,
Mike Fairbanks, Ellie Avon, Eddie Hogan, 'Gus' Gustofson,
and many others.

The Name, 'The Pesky Sarpent' derives from an early American
folk song from 1840's that is reputed to have been originally
penned about two unfortunate lovers who dwelled on Springfield
Mountain. The song has evolved through many verse and title
changes in 200 years. Title variants are: Springfield Mountain,
'The Pesky Sarpent', and, 'Rattlesnake Mountain'.

The Song Mp3

Sung by Patrick Sky, from his debut album.
Pat was a frequent performer at the Sarp,
and a friend .

More Pat Sky info and links below.

Song History 1
( scroll down to The Pesky Sarpent )

Regular Performers At The 'Sarp' Included:

Eric Andersen
Website

Paul Arnoldi

Mark Balas

David Blue (D)

Order the CD, 'David Blue'
from ArtistDirect.com

Jaime Brockett

Dave Bromberg
Illustrated Discography

Charlie Brown & The Little Flowers

The Challengers
("The" local Top 40 band)

Michael Cooney
( web site )

Barbara Dane

Willy Dunn

Mike Fairbanks

Ed Freeman

Tom Ghent (D)

Arlo Guthrie
Order CD's

Discography

John Hammond

Discography

Tim Hardin

Discography

Order CD's by Tim Hardin
at ArtistDirect.com

Richie Havens
Web Site

Charles O'Hegarty

Son House

Mississippi John Hurt

Tex Koerner

Jim Kweskin & The Jug Band

Discography

Leonda

Don McClean

( Son, Adrian, & Dave Mowry )

Dave Mowry
Website

( Early History, Sarpent Reference )

Geoff & Maria Muldaur

Bruce Murdoch

Phil Ochs

December 19, 1940 ~ April 9, 1976

Remembering Phil Ochs
Website by Phil's sister, Sonny Ochs

Paul Phillips

Judy Roderick

Judy Roderick Discography

Order the CD, 'Judy Roderick -
Woman Blue' ( 1965 ) from
ArtistDirect.com

Dave Van Ronk (D)

Tony Rubino

AJ Rubino - A Benefit Concert For The Exit 7 Players

Tom Rush

Photo By: A. Carroll © 1986

Info-Schedule-CD's

Buffy St. Marie

Biography

4 Audio Clips

A fan tribute web site

Hey,

. . . "I think of the old Sarpent often. I really liked Jay.
The revival sounds interesting although I haven't
performed in many years. Keep me in touch" . . .

All the best, Pat

Patrick Sky

Patrick Sky & Cathy Sky

Illustrated Patrick Sky Discography

Order the CD 'Patrick Sky'
from ArtistDirect.com

Carl Watanabe

What is he doing now?

Bukka White

Jesse Colin Young and The Youngbloods

Folk Music Resources For Collectors

AppleSeed Recordings