Guitarist and recent New York transplant Will Bernard will officially open Manhattans Sullivan Hall on January 2. The famed room, which has been known as the Lions Den for well over a decade, recently underwent a facelift and now features a new sound system, light design and expanded stage. For his opening night performance, Bernard will lead an all-star band featuring Greyboy Allstars/Deep Banana Blackout drummer Eric Kalb, Fat Mama/Charlie Hunter Trio keyboardist Eric Deutsch and Slip bassist Marc Friedman. Bernard is currently touring behind his new album, Party Hats.

The Lions Den will still host a number of shows its old name before January 2, including Bonerama (12/7-8), Quintus (12/13), recent New Groove of the Month Grimace Federation and current JamOff winners Redux (12/15), The States (12/20), Topaz (12/21), Fred Wesleys House Party (12/22) and Big Sams Funky Nation (12/31), among others.