The Evening Club entrance
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The story of The Evening Club is a tale of family, friends and a deep love for music. Located in India’s Rock Capital, Shillong, the bar is dedicated to live music, poetry and the arts. Managed by Jeffrey Lalloo, The Evening Club was curated for musicians, by a musician.

“EC” as it is popularly known, originated as a more accessible version of The Shillong Club, and was started by Jeffrey’s great-grandfather. In the 1980s, his father put his spin on the place. EC in the 80s was bifurcated into a restaurant and bar, on the popular Police Bazaar street, next to the famous Kelvin Cinema – people would come to EC for a meal, and head over to Kelvin Cinema for a film. Kelvin Cinema burned down in the 80s, destroying a part of EC’s building. 

The inception of EC as we know it now began in 2016 when Jeffrey and his father joined forces to revive the spot. A musician himself, Jeffrey would play with various bands whilst still a student at Delhi University, something that has informed his knowledge of live music venues and helped him cater The Evening Club to fit the needs of live performers. “It takes one to know one,” says Jeffrey, speaking on how musicians like to be treated in a club. “It’s not rocket science, but it’s easy to get it wrong.” EC provides accommodation for musicians performing at the club, and acoustically the place is designed to sound well during a performance, saving time during soundcheck. 

Live performance of The Great Society at the EC
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“We aren’t inclined towards any one genre, we have all kinds of genres happening from metal to hip hop and rock, blues, reggae.” EC is “all about the performing arts” as Jeffrey puts it, the club has been a host to a variety of book launches amongst poetry readings and Back to School music shows, dedicated to the nostalgia of 90s and 2000s music. “The Evening Club since 1958 till date, gets better and better, the feel good factor like your personal leisure room, the sound system, the food and above all, the management under the goodness of the proprietor Jeff Lalloo,” says Shillong rock legend Lou Majaw. His band The Great Society had its reunion after 34 years in EC in December 2024. Lou’s response as to why EC was selected was, “Where else?”

Anurag Banerjee’s photobook The Songs of Our People, a labour of love focussed on the musicians of Shillong, dedicates a chapter to Jeffrey Lalloo, looking at EC through his lens, as Anurag explains. Describing EC as his favourite place in the country, Anurag knew the book launch had to take place in the music haven itself. A two-day event, it featured performances by nine artistes, drawing an audience of over 200 people, including Lou.

Anurag Banerjee’s photobook launch
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

EC has been a springboard for music in the North-East, and an important space to honour the music of the region. “It’s a legendary venue in these parts,” says Shillong-born artiste Meba Ofilia. “I’ve had a blast playing shows there, and I always have a great time when I go see a performance.”