The Connection

A lifelong music aficionado, Michael DeMarco always dreamed of creating a space where local and touring musicians could showcase their talent. First, though, he worked for decades in the corporate world to support his wife and children. He even gave back to his Fairfax City community by serving on its City Council.

But once he retired and eventually left the Council, he could finally focus on making his dream a reality. It took him four years and a more than $2 million renovation and restoration of the basement of a 70-year-old building. But at last, Earp’s Ordinary opened for business and quickly became the premier restaurant/live-music venue in Old Town Fairfax. 

It’s at 10420 Main St., to the right of and underneath Commonwealth Brewery Co., and patrons enter via an elevator which delivers them to Earp’s gigantic space filled with music and merriment. The motto there is “Music, Spirits, Fare,” and Earp’s illustrates it by serving top-notch food and drinks in a friendly, welcoming environment where music lovers of all ages may enjoy live performances of all genres of music and entertainment by local and national acts.

Listening to Michael DeMarco speak are (from left) his daughter Anna, sister-in-law Paula Doll Bandini, daughter Emilia, son Antonio and wife Joanne.

 

As for the name, it’s a nod to the original Earp’s Ordinary, an 18th-century tavern and store that businessman Caleb Earp ran at the nearby intersection of Main Street and Chain Bridge Road. And, said DeMarco, “We’re more than just a music venue. We’re an excellent, outstanding restaurant and bar, as well.”

Besides a wide variety of cocktails, wine, beer and cider, Earp’s offers starters including smashburger sliders, bulgogi party tots, meatballs, spicy Szechuan chicken dumplings, Bang Bang Shrimp, and crispy Brussels sprouts with orange-passion fruit teriyaki glaze, pepitas an pomegranate seeds.

There are also salads, plus several happy-hour specials. Entrees include chicken and sausage gumbo, Southern mac & cheese, and coconut-shrimp tacos with broccoli slaw, pineapple pico de gallo, green garlic sauce and sriracha. And among the hearty sandwiches are Asian pulled pork, Nashville hot chicken, falafel burgers, braised short rib grilled cheese, and mushroom, arugula and tomato with avocado crema on Texas toast.

Hours are Saturday, 3 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, 3-9 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m.-midnight. Closed Mondays. Phone: 703-539-6960. Parking is available in the City’s free garage.

And after all the construction obstacles DeMarco had to contend with en route to opening the 10,640-square-foot Earp’s, he and everyone attending its recent ribbon cutting were thrilled to see it finally up and running. 

Referring to DeMarco and his family, Councilmember Jon Stehle said, “You could not ask for a better set of humans to help us grow as a City. This is what a small town is all about. This is what it means to put everything on the line and be steadfast, thoughtful and to have an entire community rally to support you.

“I know this is a place where memories are going to continue to be made, a place where we’ll continue to gather, come together, share and celebrate. That’s what the Old Town area needed, that’s what you’ve provided and will continue to provide. So thank you so much for your vision, for being here, and we can’t wait to spend more time with you.”

Tess Rollins, executive director of the Old Town Fairfax Business Association, said how excited she was. “Not only do I have a passion for small businesses, but when it comes to music, there are songs that change your mood,” she said. “And when you come and gather to watch live music – and see and hear the creativity that comes from the musicians – that changes your mood, too.”

“I’ve already been here to listen to some of them, and the vocal music talent is wonderful,” continued Rollins. “So Michael, thank you very much for having a venue for musicians to come, to create and to entertain – and to just share their hearts.”

Jennifer Rose, executive director, Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, began by saying, “Congratulations, DeMarco family. This has been a long time coming, and there is nothing better than those tasty craft cocktails and live music – especially when you’ve had kind of an icky week. It’s so great to come in and relax and enjoy the amazingly talented musicians and this community.

“And I love that you have bluegrass, jazz and a little bit of everything. This is a wonderful addition to this City. From my first Old Town Visioning Committee meeting, way back in the summer of 2019, we talked about a venue just like this in the City. So welcome and congratulations.”

Next, DeMarco stepped to the mic and addressed the crowd. Noting how long it took for Earp’s to finally come to fruition, he said, “There have been a lot of ups and downs. But now we’re open, and we’ve got great live music and great food and drinks. I’d like to thank my wife especially, all my children, my sister-in-law Paula, Chef Joe, Josh [Alexander, DeMarco’s former business partner], and the staff – who’ve all been with me from the beginning.”

“I’m so excited about live music in the City of Fairfax,” continued DeMarco. “We’re a large venue that can seat 290 people, and we have a nice mix of singer-songwriters and musicians – solos, duos and full bands. The genres range from blues to bluegrass, jazz, classic rock, hard rock, ’80s music and the like, and I’m very happy to be able to share this with you.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank the community at large because there were some times that I didn’t think this was going to happen. But I called on some friends who called on some more friends, and they came up with a solution [a fundraiser] that really helped us open up this space, and I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done for me. Come and see us often at Earp’s Ordinary and tell all your friends about us.”

Tara Borwey, programs manager with Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), then told DeMarco, “You are a treasure to the community, and we’re all so honored to be here and be part of this day that we know you rode a roller coaster to arrive at.”

Commissioner of the Revenue Page Johnson said the building itself has lots of memories for many City residents. “This space was built out in 1955 as a bowling alley and, as a young man, my father was a pinsetter here,” he said. “My mother worked upstairs in a men’s shop, and that’s how they met – in this building.” 

“So DeMarcos, thank you for bringing life back to this building,” continued Johnson. “I’ll add one other important memory. Fast forward 25 years after that meeting, and I chose this place to propose to my wife. So best of luck and success to you.”

City Treasurer Tom Scibilia said he had his 6th birthday party in the same bowling alley in 1963. Furthermore, his dad was an electrical contractor who owned Fairfax Electric, and this building was his first commercial contract. 

“So my dad actually wired this building,” he said. “Then [all these years later], my son is an urban planner for Fairfax City. And when this building came up [for consideration], this was his first land-use-review presentation to City Council.”

“Main Street has always been the center of our downtown, and we’ve tried to energize it with not just entertainment uses but multigenerational uses,” said former Sen. Chap Petersen. “I’m glad you have music for all ages, and I think this is wonderful. I like that the name has a historical connotation, and I’m happy to be here as a consumer.”

Jim Feather, City Planning Commission chairman, was also pleased to have an arts venue in Fairfax. “When we put together the Small Area Plan – with the engagement of the community, City staff and Council – creating something like this is exactly what we had in mind for Old Town. Michael, thank you for helping to make that real.”

Likewise, FCED Treasurer Dawn McGruder said, “Thank you so much for bringing music and this venue back. It was worth the wait.”

Earp’s Upcoming Entertainment Schedule

Friday, July 19 – The Beltway Opry (several singers and bands);

Saturday, July 20 – The Rockits;

Tuesday, July 23 – Gordon Sterling: A musician’s open jam;

Wednesday, July 24 – Anthony Carroll & Friends;

Friday, July 26, King Moon Racer;

Saturday, July 27 – Ben Goldsmith featuring Rowan Clark;

Sunday, July 28 – No Part of Nothin’ Band.

* To see the whole entertainment lineup beyond July, and to buy tickets to the shows, go to https://www.earpsordinary.com/events/.