Sounds of Summer

Now that summer is in full swing at Smith Mountain Lake, residents and visitors are making the most of their days on the water.

            But often the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

            Many area restaurants liven up SML nights with entertainment by local and regional musicians – from soothing acoustic acts to popular rockers to steel drum bands. So whether you’re looking for a place to sit back and relax or dance the night away, you’ll find it at the lake.

            Mango’s Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Plaza keeps its outdoor stage occupied all summer long. Owner Candice Padgett said Mango’s live music schedule offers a little something for everyone.

            “We have everything from rock 'n' roll to country, bluegrass, Top 40 and dance music,” said Padgett. “Of course, the locals have their favorites, but they enjoy the variety that our entertainment schedule offers. We also have karaoke every Tuesday and Thursday.”

            Padgett said patrons find Mango’s’ laid-back, tropical atmosphere inviting for a variety of reasons.

            “It’s a place where you can put on your dancing shoes and boogie and at the same time bring your family for a fun-filled lunch or dinner,” she said.

            The Landing Restaurant, located at Bernard’s Landing Resort, has a musical lineup of acoustic, modern and classic rock styles, mixed with dance and beach music. Co-owner Tiffany Silva said the live music is a bonus for restaurant patrons.

            “It entertains the people who are coming, gives them something to look forward to,” she said. “We notice we get a lot of people coming straight off the lake and want dinner, drinks and to enjoy the evening.”

            Silva said she selects acts based on customer response to the music but also strives to offer variety.

            “There are some bands that we really like, and we book them as much as we can get them – James Wise plays keyboards and sings, Entrenous [acoustic rock], Tim Martin [acoustic variety]. There’s something for everybody,” she said.

            Customers can also choose how they want to enjoy the live entertainment, Silva said.

            “The musicians are outdoors where it’s more relaxed, but the atmosphere varies depending on who is playing,” she said. “You can enjoy them from the bar area or from the deck, maybe make a reservation for dinner on the deck and listen to the music. There’s dancing, too.”

            Benjamin’s at The Pointe, at Mariner’s Landing Resort, has scheduled live groups for events throughout the summer, including the Finally Fridays concert series and a weekend-long Independence Day celebration. Owner Ben McGehee said the lakefront outdoor shows are casual and scenic.

     “We 'll have karaoke on occasion depending on the event or if a group staying at the resort requests it,” said McGehee. “We encourage dancing, even among the staff working. There will be audience participation activities around the pool, like limbo contests during our luau and dance competitions during our shag night.”

            Reds, Wines & Blues at Westlake enhances its dining atmosphere with a range of music, including jazz, blues, reggae and rock. Restaurant owner Amber Steele said guests should come ready to dance during live sessions on Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. and occasionally on Fridays.

            For a taste of the tropics, Portside Grill & Bar has island-flavored rock 'n' roll and hosts a steel drum group every other Sunday through the summer months. Manager Alice Swain said activities such as limbo and Hula-Hoop contests add to the fun of the dining experience at Portside, which is located at Virginia Dare Marina.

            Fallon’s Pub and Grill, one of SML’s most established restaurants, enhances its casual, family dining atmosphere with a wide variety of Top 40 and light rock classics every Friday, said owner Karen Smith.

            Vieira’s Restaurant at Indian Point (near channel marker 37) maintains a live music schedule throughout the year. Owner Antonio Vieira said the regular Wednesday, Thursday and occasional Friday and Saturday night live performances create a fun atmosphere with reggae, '80s and beach music.

            James Bryant, manager at King's Point Irish Pub at Lake Haven Marina, said the pub-themed restaurant has live music through September every Saturday night and occassionally on Friday evenings. Local bands play Top 40 and pop/rock music with an Irish group featured some weekends. The live music is outdoors and patrons are welcome to the dance floor, Bryant said.

            Most of SML’s restaurants post their live music schedule on their Web sites. You may also call for additional information or check the calendars printed in the Laker and Laker Weekly.

Benjamin’s at The Pointe, 540.297.4900, marinerslanding.com
Fallon’s Pub and Grill, 540.297.4562, fallonspubandgrill.com

King's Point Irish Pub, 540.297.7347, kingspointpub.com
Mango’s Bar & Grill, 540.721.1632, mangosbarandgrill.com
Portside Grill & Bar, 540.297.7100, vadarecruises.com

Reds, Wines & Blues, 540.721.6445, search on facebook.com
The Landing Restaurant, 540.721.3028, thelandingsml.com

Vieira’s Italian Restaurant, 540.721.2058, vieirasrestaurant.com