Every Friday night, a jazz ensemble plays beneath the Veterans’ Post on Washington Street. People pack into the basement for a spot in the crowd, but unlike most concerts, this one doesn’t charge an entrance fee.
For the past seven years, Post Underground, a free nightclub in Brookline Village, has brought accessible jazz experiences to the Greater Boston area. Putting on jazz concerts fully funded by donations, Post Underground was founded on the belief that music should be available to all.
Founder of Post Underground John Purcell first opened the nightclub in 2019, and it has remained a one-man operation. Purcell said it is important that the shows are free, as it is the heart and soul of the club’s concept.
“I always have my speech on Friday nights, and I say music is a human right,” Purcell said. “We don’t believe anyone should be denied access to music based on their financial standing. We offer free food and sell reasonably priced drinks.”
Purcell said the Friday night shows are always centered around the shared experience of listening to live music.
“In the seven years that [Post Underground has] been in existence, the audience has really self-selected to the point where they’re really there to listen,” Purcell said. “Everybody gets to schmooze between bands, and it’s a very loose and party-like atmosphere, but they’re really there to listen.”
Junior Adam Margalit has been playing the saxophone at Post Underground since 2021. Margalit said he was looking for a place to play music with others, and Post Underground offered jam sessions.
“People get together to improvise and play jazz,” Margalit said. “Everyone was very excited to be able to play with other people after COVID-19, because everyone was just playing alone in their houses.”
Sophomore Edlin Laho is a part of the high school’s Music Collective and is a frequent drummer at Post Underground. Laho started at Post Underground while in middle school with little jazz experience. Laho said it gives him something to look forward to every week.
“No matter how stressful it’s been with schoolwork, it’s a good two hours every Sunday to just perform,” Laho said. “You get to relax and have fun.”
Musicians don’t need to audition to play at Post Underground. Laho said musicians are placed in groups according to skill level, and can rise through the ranks to eventually perform on a Friday night. Laho said he would encourage anyone interested to give it a shot.
“Just try it, because it’s not a huge commitment. And if you don’t like it, don’t do it,” Laho said. “But every person that’s tried it so far has stuck with it.”
Post Underground’s popularity has grown rapidly, so much so that the basement is running out of space.
“Before the pandemic, we managed to get an article in the Brookline Tab, and then there was an article in the Globe back on Jan. 1, and so it’s got its own momentum now,” Purcell said. “Word of mouth is really the best publicity.”
For those on the fence about visiting, Purcell has a simple pitch.
“It’s a party,” Purcell said. “You’re up on Washington Street, and there’s this big cinderblock veterans’ post that looks all dark. But you see the sign by the door, and then you go in downstairs, and there’s a huge party going on. What have you got to lose?”
