belly up

With a humorous nod to the past, Hodges named his new bar the Belly Up Tavern.

This month marks Belly Up’s 50th anniversary, and instead of throwing a single event to honor that milestone, the music venue has been hosting a series of concerts — 50 in all.

The diverse lineup is a reflection of the Belly Up’s vibrant history.

Big Mama Thornton, Etta James and Albert Collins were just a few of the blues greats who frequently played at the Belly Up during the disco era.

By the 1990s, the Belly Up was hosting artists that had achieved more mainstream success, among them George Clinton, No Doubt and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.