The city of Lamasco stretched from the Ohio river to Maryland Street and from First Avenue to Pigeon Creek. It was founded in 1836 by four local businessmen who combined letters from their last names – LA from “Law”, MA from “McCall”, and SCO from “Scott” – to create the town’s off-beat moniker. In 1857, Evansville and Lamasco merged, and only after heated argument was the Lamasco minority over-ruled and the new city called “Evansville”. It’s been West Side vs. East Side ever since! The building at the corner of what became 6th Avenue and West Franklin Street was built in 1913 as a sheet metal factory, but by the 1920’s had become a hot spot for local gamblers and revelers, with rum running out the back door during Prohibition. At least that’s how we heard it! Lamasco Bar officially opened July 10, 1934, and has been a staple ever since.

In 1998 Vicki Hamilton, Amy’s aunt, bought the bar and closed it down for a major re-decoration. Lamasco re-opened after the 1999 Fall Festival, and Vicki, who lived for a while near New Orleans, brought authentic Mardi Gras-style partying to Evansville; she used to say “I know how it’s done down there!” Since 2009 this local landmark is under the ownership of the feisty but oh-so-sweet (usually, anyway) Amy Word, whose resume runs from big game hunter (look at the walls) to teacher, hash-slinger, waitress, and musician. If you ask nicely, she might just pull out her guitar and entertain with an impromptu show. With live music 250 nights a year, Lamasco has positioned itself as a mid-west venue that is a MUST stop for local, regional, and touring bands. Almost any night of the week, great music, great friends, great food, and great times can be had! There’s a reason that GET LAMASCOED is on the lips of people everywhere.