Sweet Lumpy’s BBQ is already known for its world-class barbecue — ribs, pulled pork, tri-tip, brisket and chicken. You name it, they can smoke and grill it to perfection.
(Courtesy image)
Not content to be arguably the best BBQ restaurant in Temecula, Sweet Lumpy’s is now providing its customers with a full dining experience by adding a new flavor to its mouth-watering menu — live music.
Lumpy’s General Manager Kathy Vidal shared: “We want people to know that you can come in to Sweet Lumpy’s to enjoy great food, have a beer and see some great local bands.”
Keep in mind, Vidal isn’t booking just anyone. She’s only providing the very best local musicians.
“The bands we’re booking cover just about everything — we’re not doing just one genre. But we want to focus on original music that caters to our demographic of families and those over 30 and our BBQ restaurant vibe. So expect to see the blues, country, roots rock, and some classic rock covers,” Vidal said.
Currently, Lumpy’s is offering live music from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Consider these their “winter hours;” come summertime, expect the set times to be extended.
Lumpy’s has the advantage of having two different stages — one inside; one outside. Typically, the acoustic shows will be outside (don’t worry — they have plenty of heaters to keep you warm), and the “plugged in” bands will perform inside. Dancing is encouraged everywhere, of course.
“Our goal is to provide a live music venue here in Old Town that will become a destination for not only our guests, but also for bands,” Vidal said. “We want the best of the best here locally to want to come and play at Sweet Lumpy’s.”
The “best of the best” includes Gino Matteo and Jade Bennett, who perform regularly as both as a duo and with a full band each Sunday at Lumpy’s. Taking Vidal’s words to heart, they both agree that Lumpy’s is becoming Old Town’s new live music center.
Gino Matteo and Jade Bennett (Photo by Mike Ingram)
“Lumpy’s is an amazing spot,” said soulful singer Bennett. “The BBQ is the best I’ve ever had, period. The staff is always kind and fun. The atmosphere is among the best of any place we’ve ever played and the sound in that room is gorgeous. My husband and I live there every Sunday for a reason — it’s home.”
Bennet’s husband happens to be Gino Matteo.
“Lumpy’s is the best place a musician can ask to play in Southern California,” added roots/blues singer and guitarist Matteo. “It’s got everything an artist and a patron can ask for. It’s got absolutely unmatched food, drinks, gorgeous down home atmosphere, a crowd that’s always friendly and a staff that’s first priority is to make you feel at home. My wife Jade and I love it there so much we’d play every night if they let us.”
Besides a great food selection, and now a top-notch band schedule, Lumpy’s makes sure that their “support locally” mantra includes beer and wine as well. Many Temecula beers and wines are found at Sweet Lumpy’s BBQ.
Read: Ironfire adds its brand to Temecula’s growing list of breweries
“We love to support Temecula and Riverside County-area breweries, so you’ll find a great selection of local beers such as Hanger 24 and Wiens Brewing among our 13 taps,” said Vidal.
Besides Matteo and Bennett on Sundays, look for local roots-y rock band The Barstow Prophets to take residence on Thursdays. And coming up, local country music favorites Kanan Road will bring its energetic live show to Lumpy’s on New Year’s Eve.
Sweet Lumpy’s BBQ is located at 41915 3rd Street in Old Town Temecula.
Chris Baptiste is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.
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