Nestled in the heart of Nantucket lies an iconic venue that has danced through decades of history, the Chicken Box. With its foundations firmly rooted in the aspirations of Willie House, a young visionary from Kentucky, the Chicken Box started as a simple diner offering southern fried chicken to the locals and visitors of Nantucket. Willie, alongside his wife, transformed a modest shack into a place that buzzed with warmth and delicious aromas. This was just the beginning of what was set to become more than just a dining spot, as Willie’s ambitions soared to include live music, making the Chicken Box a beacon for jazz and blues enthusiasts.
Willie’s knack for booking talent turned the Chicken Box into an essential stop for musicians, with legends like Muddy Waters gracing its stage. Throughout the years, Willie’s establishment grew in fame, but as his health waned in the early ‘70s, the community rallied to keep the spirit of the Box alive. In 1977, Willie passed the torch to Robert “Cap’n Seaweed” R. Reed, who enriched the musical repertoire to include blues, soul, and notably, Reggae, an initially controversial choice that soon became a staple. The Chicken Box’s canvas broadened under his stewardship, earning an “Internationally Infamous” status for its eclectic and vibrant music scene, while maintaining its giant roadhouse ambiance and an open-door policy for danceable, crowd-pleasing tunes.
The turn of the millennium marked a new chapter for the Chicken Box with a change in ownership to a group comprised in part of former employees and friends of Cap’n Seaweed. This transition was made with a promise to preserve the legacy and traditions that had endeared the venue to countless hearts over the years. The new proprietors vowed to keep the Chicken Box an unassuming, welcoming spot where diversity is celebrated, and memories are made. Their commitment ensured that the Chicken Box would continue to be a nexus of genuine fun and quality entertainment, true to its roots and open to all who stepped through its doors, in search of a memorable night on the town.
The Chicken Box, with its unpretentious charm and inclusive ethos, stands as a testament to the dreams of Willie House and the dedication of those who followed. It remains a beloved institution on Nantucket, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy stellar performances and the simple joy of togetherness. From its inception to the present day, the Chicken Box epitomizes the essence of community, music, and the enduring spirit of Nantucket’s vibrant cultural landscape.
