The crowd at Armando's in Martinez dances to the band The Landbirds on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. The popular Martinez music venue is closing its doors after 14 years. (Photo by Sam Richards/Bay City News Foundation)

People sit on mismatched wooden chairs, and on a few old couches, watching The Landbirds, a young Concord-based combo, play British Invasion-style rock. Most of the 60 or so spectators are twice the age of the musicians, many of them regulars at this small, out-of-the-way venue in a Martinez storefront on Marina Vista Avenue near the Amtrak station.

In the past month or so, they may have seen country, blues, bluegrass, rock, folk or classical acts here at Armando’s, which some might describe as a mix of coffeehouse, rock nightclub and art studio.

Continue reading for free

Sign in to read this story and receive the weekly roundup in your inbox.

Or

Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in.
Please visit My Account to manage your account.