Written by: Max Bennett Photographed :by Kyle Bianco of Spyder Entertainment
The Note was the last music venue in the bustling Philly suburb of West Chester.
For several years, the club hosted local and touring acts. But it shut down in 2014.
Now, Frank Herron of Saloon 151 and Barbabay’s has breathed life back into the East Market Street space in the form of Station 142.
Station 142 opened May 1, and Herron said the response has been overwhelming.
“The main reason for Station 142 is to give local artists a venue,” Herron said. “West Chester has been starving for live music.”
Herron has tapped Anthony Baker Entertainment to book gigs at Station 142.
Live music fans will find acts from the Jersey Shore, Philadelphia and the suburbs on Station 142’s performance calendar. The venue also hosts DJs, acoustic sets, dueling pianos and monthly singer-songwriter performance and discussion events curated by Nashville songwriter Rob Snyder.
“Rob was very brave,” Herron said of the local who made good in the country music industry. “He sold everything, moved to Nashville, did what he had to do. He’s written three of Luke Combs’ big hits.”
Recently, Station 142 hosted South Jersey rockers Fat Mezz.
“Fat Mezz was amazing,” he said. “They’re coming back a couple more times. They’re so talented that they’re going to be national. Those guys are so talented and also focused that I’m going to cherish having them perform here.”
And when it comes to national acts, Station 142 is open to hosting them, but Herron said for now he wants to make sure the venue is a space for up-and-coming artists.
The roughly 5,000-square-foot space is not only a venue, but a bar and restaurant.
Herron once again teamed up with partner and executive chef Melissa Grafton to craft Station 142’s menu. Herron said the tuna and steak are must-try dishes.
Additionally, Station 142 has a robust bar program that offers up all the staples and more.
“We’re partnering with some bands and Stateside Vodka on a regular basis, and with several local breweries,” he said. “They include Imprint, Stable and Wrong Crowd to start. Levante is also getting in on the action.”
These brewery partners will be sponsoring different events and hosting giveaways at the beginning of shows.
And Station 142 has TVs set up throughout the dining and bar area that will broadcast the live performances so everyone can enjoy the stylings of the evening’s performers.
“West Chester is great,” Herron said. “The town is really dynamic.”
With West Chester University nearby, he said he’s found a pool of eager young people to staff the
venue, restaurant and bar, while the clientele remains a bit older than the college-aged workers.
Station 142 regularly shares news of its performances and food and drink specials on social media, so be sure to follow them on their socials to keep tabs on who’s coming to perform and what deals are offered.
For June 2025, performances include The Zone, Biscotti Boys, Jamison, Dan & Dan Band and a slew of DJs.
Station 142 is also available for private events.
Learn more about Station 142 online here socials Instagram and Facebook
Station 142 is located at 142 E. Market St. in West Chester.
