All bands on deck

View larger image Dale Massey, owner of Piccadilly’s Public House & Restaurant, sits on the deck rail overlooking his converted boat, the Jamrock, that serves as a band stage and bar outside Picadilly Brew Pub in Winchester. Rich Cooley /Daily Recommend This Print This Get E-mail News Alerts Buy Photos/Page Reprints * Breaking News If local news is breaking and you know about it: * Call Us: 800-296-5137 * E-mail Us * Upload Your Photos View larger image The renovated 1969 fishing boat, signed by The Beach Boys last summer when the band was in town, rests in a sandbox where children can play with beach toys. Rich Cooley /Daily View larger image Charlie Harris, porter at PIccadilly Brew and Pub, wipes down "The Jamrock" Rich Cooley /Daily View larger image Parents can watch their children in the sand from the shaded deck. Rich Cooley /Daily View larger image PIccadilly Brew and Pub's converted boat "The Jamrock" features autographs of the Beach Boys. Rich Cooley /Daily

Pub owner to commission fishing boat bar, stage on Father's Day

By Kim Walter -- Daily Correspondent

Originally meant to be a fishing boat, the Jamrock will be setting sail as a stage at Piccadilly's Public House & Restaurant on Sunday.

Dale Massey, the owner of the restaurant for a little more than five years, is ready to see his investment and hard work put to use. Several years ago, he and nine others bought the 1969 boat from a woman on the Eastern Shore in Maryland for just $100. They all pitched in financially to clean and fix it up, but it wound up sitting for quite some time.

When the outside deck section opened up at the pub and restaurant in May 2010, Massey was stuck trying to find a theme.

"Well I thought about it, and finally I just decided, 'I'm going to haul that damn boat over here,'" said Massey with a laugh, his bright orange shirt perfectly reflecting the laid back, beachy feel of the patio.

The renovation process wasn't too much work, according to Massey. When he and his fellow investors got the boat, there was no engine to fix up, "it just didn't look real good."

Now complete with a bar, deck, stairs and surrounding sand, the boat is ready for the commissioning party on Fathers Day. The United States flag billows in the wind, along with a flag featuring a martini glass, one from a friend in Florida and the classic Jolly Roger.

Massey was told that it would be bad luck not to have the christening, so the event on Sunday will make the name "Jamrock" official. He also plans to cover part of the boat with a thatched roof and decorate with a few 13-foot palm trees.

The restaurant's doors will open at 11:30 a.m., and the ceremony is planned to start at 1 p.m., followed by a live concert by a national touring band, Dangermuffin. The group comes from South Carolina, as does Massey, and he described them as a "rock, beachy-type band."

They have been featured in Relix magazine and will play at this year's All Good festival. There will be no cover charge for any of the day's events, but Massey is expecting a large crowd, "so if you want a good seat you better get here early," he said.

All ages are welcome at Piccadilly's for the day. A pile of children's beach toys sits, ready and waiting in the sand to the side of the boat.

"It'll be bigger than McDonald's," said Massey enthusiastically. "Kids will say, 'Mom, I wanna eat where the boat is!"

It doesn't seem like a far-fetched idea, as children have already enjoyed playing in the sand the past few weeks. Parents can watch their children from the shaded deck or from the seating in the patio area.

There will be a few food and drink deals to celebrate dads for the day, including a steak special and Bloody Marys. Champagne will also be served for the boat's ceremony.

It is clear that Massey is proud of his business, and the use of the boat is just one reason for why he should feel that way.

"I think I'm the only guy in Winchester with a boat autographed by The Beach Boys," added Massey, as he gazed at the large black signatures.

When the group performed at John Handley High School last October, they stayed at the George Washington Hotel and hung out at the pub.

The pub plans to host several other bands this summer and raise money for charities, such as Habitat for Humanity. They are also in the middle of planning a "Gilligan's Island" themed party, where those who attend can dress up as their favorite character, answer some trivia questions and watch clips of the show on their outdoor projector.

Of course, the boat will be the finishing touch for such events.

Massey is ready to see what the Jamrock has in store for the restaurant. After a train passed by the corner where Piccadilly's is located, he took a moment to look around at the place.

"Sure, I like it when it's nice and peaceful like this, but I'd rather see it packed."