Utica’s Lilly Langtry’s Is Gone…But Target Plays On.

If you were out and about in the Utica area during the 1980's, you very well might remember Lilly Langtry's.  Lilly's was a nightclub and restaurant located at the corner of Varick and Hamilton Streets.

You may recall the vintage style bar, along with the many tables, dance floor, stage and even the DJ booth.  The biggest bands and musicians in the region took to the stage.  And, for many years, Friday's were dance nights.  DJ's spun the tunes and the nights featured dance contests too.  Debbie Harry of Blondie was a celeb judge for one of the contest "finals."  Lilly Langtry's was owned and run by Brian Raehm, who was also a founding member of the popular area band called Target.

Joining Raehm in the band were his wife Michelle, Vinny Esposito and drummer Maurice Putrello.  Target played clubs and functions throughout Central New York and even released a single called "Give Me One More Chance."  That 45 is currently being offered on eBay for $225.00.

In the early '90, Brian sold Lilly Langtry's.  It remained open for a short time and the location is now the sports bar "Shots."

The band Target is still going strong.  The Raehms relocated to Hilton Head, South Carolina in the late 90's, and play about 200 dates per year.   The line-up now includes Brian, Michelle, and fellow Central New York native Michael Carletta.  Former Target member Vinny Esposito is now part of the duo called DVD The Band.

Target returns to the Utica area each summer, and this year they will be in town from the last week in July through early August.   You can see more at the Target website.

Target in the Early 1990's

The Central New York band Atlas at Lilly's in the early 1980's