When folk-blues singer-songwriter Catherine MacLellan returns to Charlottetown, the first place she visits is Babas Lounge.

“It’s like coming home. It’s always filled with people I know. I call it my other living room,” says the six-time winner of the P.E.I. Music Award—the province’s version of the Junos. She is now touring in support of her third album, Water in the Ground, released in March.

“It’s a great breeding ground for many beginning musicians,” says MacLellan, who got her start at the locally owned spot when she snuck in, at 18, for its Wednesday open mic night. “My goal was to play music. I was terrified but really excited. It was the second time I played in public.”

And the daughter of legendary P.E.I. songwriter Gene MacLellan—best known for  “Snowbird” and “Put Your Hand in the Hand”—isn’t alone. Many up-and-coming East Coast indie bands, like Two Hours Traffic, Paper Lions and Tanya Davis, have all earned their stage stripes here.

The lounge was nominated as one of the top 10 live Canadian music clubs in a public vote by CBC Radio 3 earlier this year, and it’s no wonder. Babas has attracted homegrown talent like Buck 65, the Sam Roberts Band, Joel Plaskett Emergency and Wintersleep.

MacLellan clearly agrees with the hype. “It’s awesome. The owners invested in some sound equipment. The crowds are always good. Everybody knows that this is the place to come and hear music.”

Door

“The best time to come for music is about 10:30 p.m. The busiest times are Friday and Saturday night.” Cover ranges from $2 – $7.

Drink

“I tend to stick to Beck’s beer.” Also try their specialty, a pitcher of Sweet Oblivion: a concoction loosely based on Long Island iced tea with four types of booze, soda and an apple.

Dish

“My friends rave about their shawarmas—a sandwich of marinated beef or chicken mixed with spices and vegetables. But as a mostly vegetarian, I love their lentil soup and falafel.”

Décor

“Booths with colourful, soft seating and soft lighting create a cozy atmosphere. The walls are eclectic with artwork by young artists in one section, and old posters from previous shows in another.”

Dress

“Although it’s very casual, it’s a fairly hip crowd that turns out. On any given night you’ll see everything from blue jeans to mini-skirts and high heels.”

Babas Lounge is open Sun., 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Mon. – Sat., 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.