My Saturday nights pretty much consist of getting my boys to bed, then collapsing in exhaustion in front of the tube here in suburbia. While exploring ideas for things to do, I discovered that Brecksville has a night life that I never knew about.

Don’t let the storefront facade fool you: the Peppermill Pub and Grill is a classy and cool place with a laid-back attitude. It is also one of the only places in Brecksville to see live rock music on a regular basis.  

They have a “Saturday Nights Live” program, featuring a live band every Saturday night from 9 p.m. until midnight. They feature local bands, and The Spark Plugz will be playing there this Saturday, Feb. 19. 

I stopped in to the Peppermill to find out more, and found owner Gus Gallucci exuberantly greeting his customers at the door.

Gallucci said that The Spark Plugz are a great group of local musicians, who do a lot of excellent covers. And on Wednesdays, The Tower City Blues Band performs from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. every week. After the band finishes their bluesy, motown set, they have an open jam session that’s open to any musician: just bring your instrument.  

“Come for dinner, and stay for the jams,” Gallucci said.

Gallucci said getting out on a Wednesday night is a great way to break up the week and that great talent comes from all over to participate. They’ve had quite a diverse array of musicians participate, including guitarists, saxophonists and, recently, someone even joined in on the congas.

The restaurant has fresh, delicious food, great specials and a nice lunch buffet. The decor is contemporary and features amazingly large, beautiful, colorful prints of photographs that Gallucci and his wife took. They also display art from the local artists of Studio B, and I’ve had my paintings displayed here in the past.

I think it’s about time I trade in my sweatpants for some blue jeans and get out to hear some music. It’s been awhile, but they say you’re never too old to rock and roll.