Last week, patrons of the gritty Beacon Street watering hole crowded around the TV set to watch a live news broadcast on the club's closing, with the reporter standing just outside the door. Just an hour before, bartender John Giannino had told the news crew how it felt to see his father's business closing for good.

"It's disappointing," he said later. "What else can you say?"

The club entered the year struggling, laying off three of its employees in the face of a shrinking economy and dwindling audiences.

Contrary to a report in the Boston Herald, Giannino said the bar will not be reopening as an Irish pub. "We're closing our doors on Wednesday and

that's it for us," he said.

The Wednesday show will feature bands that got their start at the Abbey Lounge. The night will feature sets by Acrobrats, Auto Interiors, Jay Allen,Coffin Lids, Curses, Konks, Muck and the Mirers, Spitzz, Sprained Ankles,Tampoffs and Triple Thick.

"It's going to be unforgettable, but also a little somber," Giannino said.

"It's the last show. It's going to be a great memory, but in the back of our minds we'll know it's the last time we'll be able to party here."