Just Merl

Whether it’s a favorite concert, volleyball in the parking lot, watching playoff sports, a long night of polka dancing, or too many shared boots of beer, anyone who has lived in Madison for a while probably has a memory of spending time at the Come Back In and adjacent Essen Haus. With long-planned redevelopment officially in the works, the bars announced their final day of operation will be Aug. 31. Music fans still have some opportunities for a final visit or two; coming up at Essen Haus are the David Austin Band on Aug. 23-24, and the Gary Beal Band on Aug. 30-31 (all at 7 p.m.). The Come Back features open mic on Mondays, the Jason D. Petitt Band on Aug. 23, Dan Plourde on Aug. 24, Just Merl on Aug. 28, Dan Maguire on Aug. 30, Piano Man on Aug. 31 (all at 7 p.m.), and one final Sunday featuring Robert J. on Aug. 25 (4 p.m.).