If you follow the sound of a saxophone beneath the American Legion on Washington Street, you'll find one of Brookline's best-kept secrets.
Every Friday night in July, about 30 people gather in the basement of Brookline American Legion Post 11 for live jazz, free snacks, and a laid-back atmosphere at The POSTunderground. There's no cover charge — just a donation box and a shared love of music.
The club was founded in 2019 by saxophonist John Purcell, who retired from Brookline Music School in 2021 to focus on the venue.
"We believe that music is a human right," Purcell told WBUR.
Purcell modeled the club after the jazz parties he hosted in the 1970s and '80s. Donations cover rent, refreshments, a bartender, and a small stipend for the house band, Hard Bop Cafe. Purcell says his goal is simply to break even.
The venue also gave new purpose to the American Legion building.
Commander Elmon Hendrickson pushed to renovate the aging post and open it to the community after membership declined. Purcell said the building had been "in really poor shape" before the transformation.
During the week, the space becomes the POSTunderground Institute, where Purcell teaches jazz to high school students and adults. Many students eventually perform on the same stage as the house band, and monthly Berklee/NEC Nights showcase musicians from Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory.
If you go
- Every Friday in July: Live jazz, 7:30-11 p.m.
- Saturday, July 11: Berklee/NEC Night
- Sunday, July 26: Student performances and summer celebration
All events are held at 386 Washington St. Admission is free.
