Martini Ranch, a longtime haven for Valley cover bands, is playing a more original tune nowadays. With the closing of live music institution the Mason Jar in Phoenix, Martini Ranch marketing director Chris Osborn wants to pick up some of the slack in Scottsdale.

“The closing of the Mason Jar was a big blow to the live music scene,’’ he says. “There was nothing really available for the 300 to 500 capacity, so I decided to expand my stage at Martini and give it a shot.’’

Nationally touring artists such as Kings of Leon and Bob Schneider, as well as local bands such as the Phunk Junkeez, have performed at Martini Ranch in the past couple of months.

Osborn also is bringing in an original local band every Friday to open for popular cover bands such as the Chadwicks or Shirley's Temple.

“I really think that this whole original live music thing can work,’’ he says. “There's a bunch of people in town that really want to get local and national music in this town up to where it used to be.’’

On a recent Friday night, about 30 people watched solo artist Bobby St. Vincent perform a mellow rock set.

The 24-year-old Mesa resident says he loves the club's vibe.
“The atmosphere promotes energy and, with all the space, people can socialize and enjoy the featured artist or group,’’ says St. Vincent, who moved to Arizona from Cleveland in February.

Martini Ranch patron Sara Longhorn says it's refreshing to see a change at the bar, which has been open for 11 years.

“The cover band thing is pretty big out here, but it's so played out,’’ says Longhorn, 26, of Tempe. “Rock Lobster and the Chadwicks play here all the time.

‘‘I got online and noticed they had added a bunch of shows to their calendar from bands that play their own music so I was intrigued. I love watching live music, but there aren't a lot of places to do that anymore.’’

Not every Martini Ranch show has been a success. Osborn says the turnout for the Battle for Ozzfest, featuring artists from the MTV reality show of the same name, sold only 117 tickets.

“I guess people in the death metal market aren't used to coming to Martini Ranch in Scottsdale,’’ he said.

Music at Martini Ranch
Upcoming shows: Handcrafted (April 22); Ben Lee, Har Mar Superstar, Maria Taylor (May 3); Cowboy Mouth (May 10); The Love Drug (June 6)
Where: 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
Info: and www.martini ranchaz.com