Gulu-Gulu Cafe
247 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Gulu-Gulu Cafe at 247 Essex Street is a bohemian Salem café running an extensive crepe menu alongside artisan sandwiches, craft beer, and coffee. Established 2005 and at this address since 2007, the venue hosts live local bands and singer-songwriters throughout the week. Building history connects to the original Salem Gas Light Company HQ from 1850.
Photos
Photos · Witch City Today
Upcoming events
- Live Music
Mon, Sep 21 · 7 PM
Jorgan Trio
Jordan Gravel and the Jorgan Trio bring the unmistakable sound of the Hammond organ to Gulu with a lively mix of jazz. Catch their regular residency and settle in for an evening of deep grooves, sharp improvisation, and seriously good live music. Always the last two Mondays of every month, sometimes more. Keep an eye on our Events page for more dates.
- Karaoke
Tue, Sep 22 · 6:45 PM
Karaoke with Maxine Harrison
The coolest place to be on Tuesday night is Maxine Harrison’s Karaoke at Gulu-Gulu Cafe & Bar. No genres limited, skill doesn’t matter, sing from the stage or your chair with the wireless mics. You can even do a whole routine if you want. It’s always a blast. No cover. Just bring yourself and have fun. Signups start at 6:45pm, music starts at 7pm. Dates for September and October are: September 8 September 22 October 6 October 13 October 20
- Live Music
Tue, Sep 22 · 7 PM
Karaoke with Maxine Harrison
The coolest place to be on Tuesday night is Maxine Harrison's Karaoke at Gulu-Gulu Cafe & Bar. No genres limited, skill doesn't matter, sing from the stage or your chair with the wireless mics. You can even do a whole routine if you want. It's always a blast. No cover. Just bring yourself and have fun. Signups start at 6:45pm, music starts at 7pm.
- Bingo
Wed, Sep 23 · 6 PM
BINGO w/ The Legendary Will Pottorff
Come enjoy our weekly Bingo hosted by the BINGO KING himself Will Pottorff! Expect unhinged entertainment and positive bingo energy.
- Open Mic
Thu, Sep 24 · 7:30 PM
MUSICAL OPEN MIC!
Every Thursday night, Gulu-Gulu Café & Bar turns into one of Salem’s most welcoming rooms for live music, creativity, and unexpected moments. Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited. Signups start at 7:30 PM, music kicks off shortly after 8, and there’s never a cover. Sorry, no standup comedy. Sorry, no standup comedy.
- Live Music
Fri, Sep 25 · 8 PM
Calling For Heathcliff - Live Music No Cover
Gulu favorite, Calling for Heathcliff returns! Salem’s Calling for Heathcliff is James and Matt, playing laid-back, lo-fi instrumentals built around keyboards and digital drums. Their sound is mellow, atmospheric, and a little dreamy, with an eclectic cover or two finding its way into the set. 8pm, no cover.
- Live Music
Sat, Sep 26 · 8 PM
Bob Wolfman Band
Live music, no cover. The Bob Wolfman Band brings a high-energy mix of blues, rock, jazz and funk to the Gulu-Gulu stage. Led by powerhouse guitarist and vocalist Bob Wolfman, the band mixes serious musicianship with deep grooves, fiery guitar work, and plenty of soul. Come grab a drink and catch one of New England's longtime guitar greats up close.
- Drag
Sun, Sep 27 · 2 PM
DIAMONDS DINE IN w/ DJ MAXINE HARRISON
Diamonds Dine In the musical millennial revue with singing, dancing, and of course comedy! Please come and celebrate Sungay with us and bring all the good energy!
- Live Music
Mon, Sep 28 · 7 PM
Jorgan Trio
Free live music, no cover. Jordan Gravel and the Jorgan Trio bring the unmistakable sound of the Hammond organ to Gulu with a lively mix of jazz. Catch their regular residency and settle in for an evening of deep grooves, sharp improvisation, and seriously good live music. Always the last two Mondays of every month, sometimes more. Keep an eye on our Events page for more dates.
- Live Music
Mon, Sep 28 · 7:30 PM
Jordan Gravel and the J Organ Trio - LIVE JAZZ NO COVER
Jordan Gravel and the Jorgan Trio bring the unmistakable sound of the Hammond organ to Gulu with a lively mix of jazz. Catch their regular residency and settle in for an evening of deep grooves, sharp improvisation, and seriously good live music. Always the last two Mondays of every month, sometimes more. Keep an eye on our Events page for more dates.
- Culture
Tue, Sep 29 · 7 PM
Salem Story Series – A Story Teller Event
The Salem Story Series returns to Gulu-Gulu Cafe & Bar on Tuesday, September 29 a 7pm. This is a storytelling event held by The Salem Story Series that invites the community of Salem, MA, to gather together to hear—and tell—true life stories. All are welcome, especially the “amateurs.” Some of the best stories shared on stage come from people who've never spoken into a microphone. Each month is a new theme, and every storyteller gets 5 minutes on stage to share their true story. Checkout salemstoryseries.org for more info. $5 a the door helps the organizers to keep this event going monthly.
- Bingo
Wed, Sep 30 · 6 PM
BINGO w/ The Legendary Will Pottorff
Come enjoy our weekly Bingo hosted by the BINGO KING himself Will Pottorff! Expect unhinged entertainment and positive bingo energy.
- Open Mic
Thu, Oct 1 · 7:30 PM
MUSICAL OPEN MIC!
Every Thursday night, Gulu-Gulu Café & Bar turns into one of Salem’s most welcoming rooms for live music, creativity, and unexpected moments. Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited. Signups start at 7:30 PM, music kicks off shortly after 8, and there’s never a cover. Sorry, no standup comedy.
- Live Music
Fri, Oct 2 · 8 PM
Kevin Farren - Live Music No Cover
Kevin Farren returns with his wide-ranging mix of rock, Americana, ’80s favorites, and singer-songwriter gems to the Gulu-Gulu stage. With a deep catalog stretching from Tom Petty and the Grateful Dead to Jason Isbell and Dawes—plus some originals along the way—no two Kevin Farren sets are quite the same. No cover!
- Live Music
Sat, Oct 3 · 8 PM
Kinetic Trio - Live Music No Cover
Boston-based Kinetic Trio brings their groove-heavy blend of jazz and funk back to the Gulu-Gulu stage. Expect funky rhythms, instrumental jams, and plenty of improvisation from this Boston-based trio. No cover!
- Drag
Sun, Oct 4 · 2 PM
DIAMONDS DINE IN w/ DJ MAXINE HARRISON
Diamonds Dine In the musical millennial revue with singing, dancing, and of course comedy! Please come and celebrate Sungay with us and bring all the good energy!
- Live Music
Mon, Oct 5 · 7:30 PM
Jordan Gravel and the J Organ Trio - LIVE JAZZ NO COVER
Jordan Gravel and the Jorgan Trio bring the unmistakable sound of the Hammond organ to Gulu with a lively mix of jazz. Catch their regular residency and settle in for an evening of deep grooves, sharp improvisation, and seriously good live music. Always the last two Mondays of every month, sometimes more. Keep an eye on our Events page for more dates.
- Karaoke
Tue, Oct 6 · 6:45 PM
Karaoke with Maxine Harrison
The coolest place to be on Tuesday night is Maxine Harrison’s Karaoke at Gulu-Gulu Cafe & Bar. No genres limited, skill doesn’t matter, sing from the stage or your chair with the wireless mics. You can even do a whole routine if you want. It’s always a blast. No cover. Just bring yourself and have fun. Signups start at 6:45pm, music starts at 7pm. Dates for September and October are: September 8 September 22 October 6 October 13 October 20
- Bingo
Wed, Oct 7 · 6 PM
BINGO w/ The Legendary Will Pottorff
Come enjoy our weekly Bingo hosted by the BINGO KING himself Will Pottorff! Expect unhinged entertainment and positive bingo energy.
- Open Mic
Thu, Oct 8 · 7:30 PM
MUSICAL OPEN MIC!
Every Thursday night, Gulu-Gulu Café & Bar turns into one of Salem’s most welcoming rooms for live music, creativity, and unexpected moments. Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited. Signups start at 7:30 PM, music kicks off shortly after 8, and there’s never a cover. Sorry, no standup comedy.
- Live Music
Fri, Oct 9 · 8 PM
Nate Goyette - Live Music No Cover
Nate Goyette brings a sharp, heartfelt mix of indie rock, folk, and punk sensibility to the Gulu-Gulu stage. A New England singer-songwriter with a knack for turning everyday anxieties, bad decisions, relationships, and the awkward business of growing up into songs that are funny, thoughtful, and deeply relatable, Nate has performed throughout the Northeast both solo and with a full band. With two EPs under his belt—including 2023's The War on Comfort—his music can move from raucous and energetic to quiet and introspective, usually with a good story somewhere in the middle.
- Live Music
Sat, Oct 10 · 12:30 AM
Daniel Ouellette w/ Lynda Mandolyn - Live Music No Cover
Daniel Ouellette brings his theatrical, multilingual world of new wave, art pop and electronic music to the Gulu-Gulu stage. Performing solo and with his longtime project The Shobijin, Daniel has taken his wonderfully eclectic live show across the U.S., Canada and Spain, building a sound that's colorful, strange, danceable and entirely his own. Joining Daniel is Lynda Mandolyn, a veteran of the underground rock scene whose career stretches from Detroit punk to San Francisco pop-punk and today's Portland garage and shoegaze scenes. A founding member of Detroit's Inside Out, Lynda recorded a legendary John Peel Session for the BBC before going on to tour internationally with Fabulous Disaster, sharing stages with the likes of NOFX, T.S.O.L. and The Dickies. Today she's a member of Tiger Bomb and Crystal Canyon, while continuing to release her own dreamy, melodic solo work. No cover!!
- Drag
Sun, Oct 11 · 2 PM
DIAMONDS DINE IN w/ DJ MAXINE HARRISON
Diamonds Dine In the musical millennial revue with singing, dancing, and of course comedy! Please come and celebrate Sungay with us and bring all the good energy!
- Karaoke
Tue, Oct 13 · 6:45 PM
Karaoke with Maxine Harrison
The coolest place to be on Tuesday night is Maxine Harrison’s Karaoke at Gulu-Gulu Cafe & Bar. No genres limited, skill doesn’t matter, sing from the stage or your chair with the wireless mics. You can even do a whole routine if you want. It’s always a blast. No cover. Just bring yourself and have fun. Signups start at 6:45pm, music starts at 7pm. Dates for September and October are: September 8 September 22 October 6 October 13 October 20
- Bingo
Wed, Oct 14 · 6 PM
BINGO w/ The Legendary Will Pottorff
Come enjoy our weekly Bingo hosted by the BINGO KING himself Will Pottorff! Expect unhinged entertainment and positive bingo energy.
- Open Mic
Thu, Oct 15 · 7:30 PM
MUSICAL OPEN MIC!
Every Thursday night, Gulu-Gulu Café & Bar turns into one of Salem’s most welcoming rooms for live music, creativity, and unexpected moments. Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited. Signups start at 7:30 PM, music kicks off shortly after 8, and there’s never a cover. Sorry, no standup comedy.
- Live Music
Fri, Oct 16 · 8 PM
Couple of Wanderers - Faith Kelly & Caswyn Moon - No Cover
Gulu favorites, Couple of Wanderers returns! They are Faith Kelly and Caswyn Moon, two Catskills songwriters who have made the road a big part of their music. After meeting at an open mic, the pair began crisscrossing the country together, playing original songs in venues and small towns all along the way. Caswyn brings melodic, punk-tinged Americana with old-country roots, often backed by Faith on Moog synthesizer, before Faith takes over with her own wonderfully strange blend of spacey folk rock ’n’ roll and Appalachian sounds. Expect guitars, synths, storytelling, a little psychedelia, and the occasional washboard or kazoo. Come catch these two wandering songwriters as their travels bring them back through Salem and the Gulu-Gulu stage. No cover!!
- Live Music
Sat, Oct 17 · 8 PM
Rick Berlin w/ the Nickel & Dime band!
Boston music legend Rick Berlin brings the Nickel & Dime Band back to the Gulu-Gulu stage for a big, night of rock & roll. A fixture of the Boston scene since the ’70s, Berlin first made his mark fronting Orchestra Luna and later Berlin Airlift, building a decades-long reputation for theatrical performances, sharp storytelling, and songs that refuse to stay in one genre. His Nickel & Dime Band carries that history forward with a mix of rock, punk, funk, Americana, and plenty of unexpected turns. Along the way they’ve shared stages with Dr. Dog and the Violent Femmes, while Berlin’s career has crossed paths with everyone from Roxy Music and the J. Geils Band to the early Boston punk scene.
- Drag
Sun, Oct 18 · 2 PM
DIAMONDS DINE IN w/ DJ MAXINE HARRISON
Diamonds Dine In the musical millennial revue with singing, dancing, and of course comedy! Please come and celebrate Sungay with us and bring all the good energy!
- Live Music
Mon, Oct 19 · 7 PM
Jorgan Trio
Jordan Gravel and the Jorgan Trio bring the unmistakable sound of the Hammond organ to Gulu with a lively mix of jazz. Catch their regular residency and settle in for an evening of deep grooves, sharp improvisation, and seriously good live music. Always the last two Mondays of every month, sometimes more. Keep an eye on our Events page for more dates.
- Karaoke
Tue, Oct 20 · 6:45 PM
Karaoke with Maxine Harrison
The coolest place to be on Tuesday night is Maxine Harrison’s Karaoke at Gulu-Gulu Cafe & Bar. No genres limited, skill doesn’t matter, sing from the stage or your chair with the wireless mics. You can even do a whole routine if you want. It’s always a blast. No cover. Just bring yourself and have fun. Signups start at 6:45pm, music starts at 7pm. Dates for September and October are: September 8 September 22 October 6 October 13 October 20
- Bingo
Wed, Oct 21 · 6 PM
BINGO w/ The Legendary Will Pottorff
Come enjoy our weekly Bingo hosted by the BINGO KING himself Will Pottorff! Expect unhinged entertainment and positive bingo energy.
- Open Mic
Thu, Oct 22 · 7:30 PM
MUSICAL OPEN MIC!
Every Thursday night, Gulu-Gulu Café & Bar turns into one of Salem’s most welcoming rooms for live music, creativity, and unexpected moments. Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited. Signups start at 7:30 PM, music kicks off shortly after 8, and there’s never a cover. Sorry, no standup comedy.
- Live Music
Fri, Oct 23 · 8 PM
Clay Pigeons - Live Music No Cover
Salem’s own Clay Pigeons return to the Gulu-Gulu stage with their rowdy mix of bluegrass, honky-tonk, folk, and old-school country. With fiddle, banjo, mandolin, upright bass, guitar, and plenty of harmonies, Clay Pigeons turn the people, places, oddballs, and seaside stories of New England into songs that are funny, heartfelt, and built for a good time. Local through and through, the band sings about everything from Salem witches and Beverly rats to lobster rolls, mermaids, neighbors, friends, and down-and-outers. Expect original songs, familiar favorites, and a lively night of homegrown New England string music from these Salem legends. No cover!!
- Live Music
Sat, Oct 24 · 8 PM
Blues on Tap - Live Music No cover
Blues On Tap brings their unique blend of blues & rock back to the Gulu Gulu Cafe & Bar! Check out their powerful lead vocals, driving guitar, drums that give the band a punch and bass with great bottom! All your favorite tunes sound even better with this crew. 8pm. NO COVER!
- Drag
Sun, Oct 25 · 2 PM
DIAMONDS DINE IN w/ DJ MAXINE HARRISON (Copy)
Diamonds Dine In the musical millennial revue with singing, dancing, and of course comedy! Please come and celebrate Sungay with us and bring all the good energy!
- Live Music
Mon, Oct 26 · 7 PM
Jorgan Trio
Jordan Gravel and the Jorgan Trio bring the unmistakable sound of the Hammond organ to Gulu with a lively mix of jazz. Catch their regular residency and settle in for an evening of deep grooves, sharp improvisation, and seriously good live music. Always the last two Mondays of every month, sometimes more. Keep an eye on our Events page for more dates.
- Storytelling
Tue, Oct 27 · 7 PM
Salem Story Series - A Monthly Story Tellers' Event
The Salem Story Series returns to Gulu-Gulu Cafe & Bar on Tuesday, September 29 a 7pm. This is a monthly storytelling event held by The Salem Story Series that invites the community of Salem, MA, to gather together to hear—and tell—true life stories. All are welcome, especially the “amateurs.” Some of the best stories shared on stage come from people who’ve never spoken into a microphone. Each month is a new theme, and every storyteller gets 5 minutes on stage to share their true story. Checkout salemstoryseries.org for more info. $5 a the door helps the organizers to keep this event going monthly.
- Bingo
Wed, Oct 28 · 6 PM
BINGO w/ The Legendary Will Pottorff
Come enjoy our weekly Bingo hosted by the BINGO KING himself Will Pottorff! Expect unhinged entertainment and positive bingo energy.
- Open Mic
Thu, Oct 29 · 7:30 PM
MUSICAL OPEN MIC!
Every Thursday night, Gulu-Gulu Café & Bar turns into one of Salem’s most welcoming rooms for live music, creativity, and unexpected moments. Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited. Signups start at 7:30 PM, music kicks off shortly after 8, and there’s never a cover. Sorry, no standup comedy.
- Live Music
Fri, Oct 30 · 8 PM
Playing with Fire - Live Music No cover
Playing with Fire is a four-piece rock band based out of Boston and the New England region. The groups' diverse repertoire includes original songs, Amy Winehouse, Black Sabbath, Marvin Gaye, Radiohead, Fleetwood Mac, and many others. If you didn’t get the chance to catch them last month, don’t miss out again!
- Live Music
Sat, Oct 31 – Nov 1
Double Trouble: Halloween Night Dance Party (21+)
JOIN MAXINE HARRISON AND BUSTER PANTS ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT for the spookiest dance party in Salem, MA. Live DJ sets and dancing all night! WE ARE BACK HALLOWEEN NIGHT TO THROW THE SPOOKIEST PARTY IN SALEM, MA. DRAG ICONS MAXINE HARRISON AND BUSTER PANTS are back at Club GULU for our Double Trouble: Halloween Night Dance Party. Live DJ sets and dancing all night. Specialty seasonal cocktails and mocktails available. Tickets are $50 in advance, or $60 at the door. Last year this event SOLD OUT... SO GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY! 21+ valid ID required. The City of Salem clears and closes the streets right after the final drone show around 10:30 p.m Halloween night, so again, get your tickets early so you have somewhere to party and be! Buy your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/double-trouble-halloween-night-dance-party-tickets-2001638204753
- Live Music
Sat, Oct 31 · 8 PM
DOUBLE TROUBLE W/ BUSTER PANTS & MAXINE HARRISON
The best Halloween party returns! Dual DJ’s, dancing, special drinks and food, and more! Link for tickets coming soon!
- Bingo
Wed, Nov 4 · 6 PM
BINGO w/ The Legendary Will Pottorff
Come enjoy our weekly Bingo hosted by the BINGO KING himself Will Pottorff! Expect unhinged entertainment and positive bingo energy.
- Open Mic
Thu, Nov 5 · 7:30 PM
MUSICAL OPEN MIC!
Every Thursday night, Gulu-Gulu Café & Bar turns into one of Salem’s most welcoming rooms for live music, creativity, and unexpected moments. Musicians and listeners of all ages are invited. Signups start at 7:30 PM, music kicks off shortly after 8, and there’s never a cover. Sorry, no standup comedy.
- Live Music
Sat, Nov 7 · 8 PM
Stephen Brodsky w/ Adam McGrath and Erik Wormwood
Stephen Brodsky of Cave In, Old Man Gloom, and New Idea Society is coming to Gulu-Gulu Cafe! In tow he’ll have Adam McGrath (Cave In) and Erik Wormwood (Louder Joy). Expect solo sets from all three and a special duo set from Stephen and Adam. No cover.