311 Indie Rock Cafe, to my knowledge was one of the first places in Paducah geared towards the interest of punk rock kids, indie kids, emo kids, skaters, anything that Mocha Lisas didnt cater to, no disrespect to Mocha Lisas but I was in a band that performed there and it was strange to see a mosh pit in the middle of displays of $1,000 Vases and Sculptures. This was our new home.

Mocha Lisas, or Working Artist as it was called later, had closed, Point Rock Jr. had closed, the civic center across the street from Hannan Plaza that we rented had been torn down replaced by a CVS Pharmacy and we had nowhere to go. Enter: 311 Indie Rock Cafe and their HUGE ass grand opening show featuring every local original band imaginable, It was nice to see a band considered "emo" play with a band considered "hardcore" or "pop punk" there was a huge amount of support that is missing these days in the scene.

The Club started out as a 6 day a week Indie Rock hang out, open mic nights, and movie nights. A place for kids that werent old enough to be in a bar to hang out and be themselves. With Ramones Posters, Run DMC Vinyl Covers, Misfits Posters hanging on the wall, you felt as if you were in your own bedroom playing a house show for friends, it was eventually cut down to 2 nights a week, with an occasional mid week show

Many shows, many memories still stick with me to this day. This club was a special place, and a special part of my youth that has come and gone. Its debatable why this venue came to an end and many people look at the negativity and the "bad management bad promotion" argument is frequently brought up, regardless, this club was responsible for the birth of many bands and helped the local musicians perfect their stage presense and gave them all a place to call home, for that I am thankful that this little building on Broadway is a part of my experiences in the local music community.

Heres an entry sent to us by the former owner of the club, Marvin Whittaker 

Inspired by the likes of Indienet Records in Nashville and 924 Gilman Street in Berkely California, 311 Indie Rock Cafe in Paducah Kentucky was an attempt to create a permanant artist space.

Although short-lived, 311 managed to make an impact in the time it existed by filling a void in the community.

Paducah, like many cities across the U.S. had nowhere for young people tp socialize outside school, church, or the mall.

311 was started as a chemical-free, all ages environment that was born to offer refuge to artists, musicians, and those who were interested in counter cultural arts. Live music and concessions were the main fare, however plans for expansion were considered from day one.

Hopefully 311 served as an inspiration for someone to continue the pursuit of creating

thanks to Marvin for the piece he wrote on 311, its always interesting to hear from people involved in milestones for the music scene......

Heres another entry from former owner Sara Whitfield, Sara along with husband Bill Whitfield took over ownership after Marvin sold his portion. In addition to Bill and Sara, the late Chris Kauffman and Ashley Doom were also owners.

 311 is a very touchy subject for alot of people i am reluctant to write about it, but i was asked to submit an article about the club and so here it goes.

THE BOTTOM LINE ABOUT A PERMANANT CLUB IS THAT THE CITY WAS NOT GOING LET US BE THERE, THEY HAD JUST STARTED THE SATURDAY "DOWNTOWN AFTER DINNER" STUFF AND OUR LOUD CRAZY LOOKING KIDS WERE A EYE SORE, THEY WERE NOT ABOUT TO TOLERATE.WE HAD THE FIRE MARSHALL AND HEALTH INSPECTOR THERE EVERY OTHER DAY MESSING WITH US! YES WE WERE BOOZING IT UP AND YOUR DAMN STRIGHT WE WERE NEGATIVE! IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT HOWEVER,THATS WHAT BRINGS ALOT OF PEOPLE TO LOVE PUNK ROCK. I WOULD SAY HALF OF PUNK IS A BIG PISS OFF A WAY TO DIRECT YOUR NEGATIVITY AND ANGER. I HAVE ALOT OF REGRETS CONCERING THE CLUB,BUT GOOD DID COME OUT OF IT. I WATCHED PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE AND I LEARNED ALOT. MAINLY DONT TRY AND FIX WHATS NOT BROKEN,HALL SHOWS R THE WAY TO GO PEOPLE GET BOARD OF THE SAME OLD PLACE AND THING, A HALL SHOW IS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO ON A WEEKEND NIT
 E YOU CAN BE YOURSELF AND WALK AWAY FEELING LIKE YOUR PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL THAT NOT EVERYONE ELSE HAS. PADUCAH IS NOT READY FOR A STABLE CLUB WE LIVE IN THE BIBLE BELT ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN,NOT NOW ANYWAY SHORT OF FINDING A BARN OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, I BELIVE THE RIGHT TRACK TO BE ABLE TO KEEP A PLACE ALIVE IS IN THE WORKS,THE KEY VERY WELL COULD BE ALL THE CHARITY SHOWS THAT BANDS ARE PUTTING ON PROPS GUYS REALLY! EVERYONE ENJOYS THEMSEVLES AND LOTS OF PEOPLE BENIFIT FROM THEM ALSO YOU GET POSSSIVE REACTIONS FROM THE MEDIA. WHEN WE HAD 311 WE BOUGHT IN AT 15 OR 18 HUNDRED DOLLARS,PLUS THE BILLS MONTHLY TO KEEP THE DOORS OPEN WERE WAY OVER A GRAND, EVERY 30 DAYS. THINK A SECOND ABOUT HOW MANY CHARITY HALL SHOWS U COULD PUT ON FOR THAT, ABOUT HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU COULD HELP,AND HAVE A BLAST DOING IT!! THAT IS WHAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM BEING INVOLVED WITH 311,ALSO THAT LIFE IS SHORT,AND TRY AND FOCUS ON WHATS IMPORTANT,CAUSE YOU ONLY GET ONE SHOT. I DONT GO TO HALL SHOWS ANYMORE MOST PEOPLE THERE DO NOT LIKE ME, AND THATS OK,IVE GIVEN THEM PLENTY OF REASONS NOT TO! SO I STAY AWAY BUT I WILL NEVER FORGET THE SENSE OF FAMILY AND LOVE I FELT THERE. ITS ALWAYS WITH ME EVERYTIME I LISTEN TO A FIFTEEN SONG IT COMES RUSHING BACK AND THATS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME. PEACE OUT,

SARA ANNE WHITFIELD,FORMER CO-OWNER OF 311.


the above picture of the building taken from Century 21 Real Estate Website, this is the view you would have if you were performing at this club, or returning from the restroom. Picture used without permission.

The above flyer was for the opening night show of 311 Indie Rock Cafe, it was a huge show and the club was a welcomed addition for indie musicians.