MARTINSBURG – A new jazz club and music studio is aiming to give Martinsburg’s arts scene a boost, as local drummer and instructor Daniel Kelly II celebrated the grand opening of the Drum Orpheum, his latest and now permanent home for teaching, performing and community events.
Kelly has been performing for two decades and teaching for six years, and his newest location on North Queen Street marks the third move for his business. Unlike the two previous sites, Kelly said this space is where he intends to stay and grow.
“This whole space is a blank canvas,” Kelly said. “We are a musical launchpad for rising artists and band members, a jazz club and a small event venue. I wanted to bring all that together for the community.”
Kelly relocated to Martinsburg this fall while serving on the board of directors for the Martinsburg Roundhouse. He says the city’s push for revitalization and its growing downtown convinced him the time was right to bring more live music and performance opportunities to the Eastern Panhandle.
“Instead of traveling to D.C. every weekend, how about you just come here?” Kelly said. “Martinsburg is growing, and I want to be part of improving the quality of life here.”
Kelly began teaching lessons out of the newly renovated space just a few weeks ago. He currently instructs 15 to 18 drum students of varying ages and said they have enjoyed the new location.
Kelly hopes the venue will soon host three to seven shows each month, featuring jazz performers, up-and-coming musicians and artists looking for a foothold in the local scene. He said the goal is to make the arts more accessible, both for performers and the public.
“Music is a universal language,” Kelly said. “Without entertainment, without music, the community stays stagnant. I want to bring more music to every person in the city so they can experience something new.”
In addition to concerts and classes, the Drum Orpheum will operate as an affordable rental space for small events, company meetings and activities such as yoga or dance. Kelly said most rentals are priced by the hour and are intentionally kept within reach for residents.
“If you need a baby shower that’s not going to break the bank, or a meeting space, choose us,” Kelly said. “We want to help people get where they want to go.”
Kelly’s long-term plans include deeper collaborations with Martinsburg officials and local event organizers, particularly as the Roundhouse undergoes development. He hopes to furnish the city with a rotating roster of musicians for festivals, holiday events and community gatherings.
“We’re here to stay,” Kelly said. “And I’m excited to help bring new life, new music and new entertainment to Martinsburg.”
