Few students know about what lies in the dark underbelly of the Danna Center. The student health office, the SGA bubble and other clubs are stationed down there. What some students might now know is that a space for live music, food and drinks is located in the basement of the student center.
Satchmo’s has been around since the 1980s, but it has gone through many name changes. First it was called the Pub, then the name changed to the Underground in 2002. It is now known as Satchmo’s in honor of the famous New Orleans jazz musician Louis Armstrong, nicknamed Satchmo.
Students who dare to venture down one flight of stairs will find a space where a stage is set up for live music and comedy, as well as multiple plasma screen televisions and a pool table.
The food also draws students to Satchmo’s, it offers traditional New Orleans cuisine such as red beans and rice, but also other cultures’ delicacies, such as pulled pork sandwiches and comfort food classics such as loaded baked potatoes.
Recently, Satchmo’s stopped serving alcohol. They offered two types of beer on tap and various wines. “I remember hearing that the Underground was a full-on bar while ago,” said mass communication senior Russell Shelton.
Before Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana law stated that anyone who is 18 years old could drink alcohol in their residence, so students who lived on campus could drink before they turned 21.
“When I was in school here back in the ‘80s, the Pub sold beer. I don’t believe they ever sold hard liquor,” said Germayne Turner Nash, associate director of the University Sports Complex. Despite the numerous changes throughout the years, the purpose has been the same, according to Cissy Petty, vice president for Student Affairs: “The old “Underground” and new “Satchmo’s” essentially have always had the same purpose: to provide space and amenities that students, faculty, staff and guests would enjoy outside of the classroom. Satchmo’s was designed to provide an entertainment space for a variety of music venues, poetry slams, literary readings, the BSU talent shows, viewing athletic events, dances, and/or just a place to read the paper, eat a great sandwich and mingle,” Petty said.
With the plans for the new student center solidified, Satchmo’s is going to be completely renovated and will be two stories.
” It is possible that beer and wine will be served to folks 21 years old and up,” Petty said.
With the construction starting in 2012, students are hoping for a better space like Satchmo’s.
“I’m excited for the new student center,” said Deidre Gallagher, public relations junior. “I hope the new Satchmo’s will be a central part of it and people will actually know where it is. The location of the current Satchmo’s makes it hard to find and undesirable to go and hang out, so the construction of the new student center should take that into account.”
The new plans are still being finalized, but for the University’s sake, the new Satchmo’s should be easily accessible, friendly and fun.
Molly Cutler can be reached at
