(NECN: Josh Brogadir, Brookline, Mass.) - Think Take Five at 7-Eleven.
Cocktails here are Slurpees and Big Gulps and $1 cups of coffee, but there is live jazz at this convenience store, a venue probably not top of mind for a concert.
Owner Felice D'Anna says the 7-Eleven at 872 Commonwealth Ave. in Brookline, was converted from a mattress store a little over a year ago. With its second floor seating, free WiFi and flat screen TV, the lounge lends itself to live music.
"First I was a little hesitant. I'm like, a jazz band? But the more I talked to him, I'm like, what a great idea. I think it could be great," D'Anna said.
Musical guests on Thursday night, a test project so to speak, were the well-established Lance Martin Trio.
Lance, with 45 years on the flute, is Berklee-trained and an employee at neighboring Boston University. Seeing the second floor, he came over to speak with the owner.
"And he said he always liked to have music in this venue. And I said, well that's why I'm here, I want to see if we can try to have music here, see what happens," Martin said.
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And this is what happened. But did people show up because of the jazz or stay when they heard it after walking through the door? Turns out, it's a little bit of each.
"We got all the neighbors in here. And we'll bring some neighbors the next time, we'll bring some more," said George Johnson of Brookline.
"(Came in to get) just a few snacks for my dorm room. This is definitely a pleasant surprise, I'm definitely glad I came in here," said BU Freshman John Pavia.
And that is music to Felice D'Anna's ears.
"Why not, come down, get a hot dog, a sandwich, get a free show, how do you go wrong?" D'Anna said.
The store does not have licensing yet from the town of Brookline, so this is a one time gig for now with hopes for more.
