• Two Dogs in the district: Soon, when you say you’re “going to the Dog,” it might mean one of two places in town. It always takes a little longer than people anticipate to open up a bar — to open up anything, and such was the case with The Salty Dog, which intended on opening up at 1 Kelley Square months ago. But owner Michael Buerhrle says the Dog is about 4-6 weeks from opening its doors. “Some obstacles were in my control and some weren’t,” he says. “I’m waiting for something from the state, but I spoke to them a couple of weeks ago. It should be any day for that.” This will be the second Salty Dog, as there is already one in Springfield. Buerhrle chose Worcester based on demographics. With bartenders flaring the bottles, a mechanical bull, focus on classic rock, and serving no food, this hang will cater to a crowd in its late 20s and early 30s.

• Back in the mix: Remember those successful mixers years ago that welcomed anyone and everyone in the music community to gather and exchange ideas? They’re back. Plan Monday, June 2, to head to Nick’s on Millbury Street at 9 p.m. There is no agenda, no fee — just a casual get together to help the music scene stay connected. Visit http://worcesterite.com/content/networking-mixer-622008 for more information on it. If you haven’t been to Nick’s, this is a great reason to check it out.

• Rich Celtic: New England has long been known as a hotbed of Celtic-inspired music. In fact, we’ve got one of the biggest Celtic Festivals around every July in the Blackstone Valley. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Rhode-Island based Pendragon is putting on a show on Saturday, May 17, at Café Fantastique. Pendragon plays lively jigs and reels along with Mary Lee Partington’s original songs, which often depict experiences of immigrants who settled into working the mills of New England. Call 508-755-5276, ext. 4500.

• Club notes: This Thursday, and next Thursday, The Johnny Dollar Experiment jazzes up classic rock at the Dzian Gallery. On Friday, Play Dead opens for New Pond Fondle at Tammany Hall; Childhood reunites, like last year, for a show at Ralph’s; Pueblo Nuevo does its weekly rhythm at Bocado; and James Montgomery knocks out Mill Street Brews in Southbridge. On Saturday, Soulstice plays a cool mix of horn-infused R&B and soul at Partner’s Pub; the heavy Forced Fed Shovelhead gets together again for a show at Ralph’s; Pet Rock heads out to Webster to the Colonial Restaurant to play its last public gig of the season; EJ Oullette and Crazy Maggy make the fiddle cool at Café Fantastique; The Borderland All-Stars jam at Gilrein’s; Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse rocks Greendale’s; and Gilmour’s Breakfast pays tribute to Floyd at The Lucky Dog. Next Wednesday and Thursday, Jesus Christ Superstar takes center stage at the Hanover Theatre.

We want to hear about it. All of it. The horrors. The stories. The music news. E-mail Charlene at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 508-749-3166, ext. 245. Add cookiewomag to your buddy list, too, to chat live during the workday.