This weekend, the former Jannus Landing re-opens as Jannus Live with four nights of music.
Tonight, for its official grand opening, the venue presents a free Honda Gran Prix Rev Up Party featuring local entertainment by Southern and classic rockers Greg Billings Band, sun-and-sand happy local legend Tom Gribbin, and singer-songwriter Gale Trippsmith.
On Friday, Jannus Live welcomes .38 Special. While many bands have come, gone and reunited years later, the Jacksonville-bred band has been going strong all throughout their 30-year career with a sound described by lead vocalist Van Zant as “greasy, loud and proud.” Despite not putting out any fresh material since 2004’s arena-rockin’ Drivetrain, the sextet has maintained a rigorous touring schedule and most recently, opened for REO Speedwagon and Styx on the budget-friendly “Can’t Stop Rockin’ Tour.” Guitar Hero favorite “Hold On Loosely” is certain to make the set list when .38 Special performs at the newly-renovated Jannus Live with guest Molly Hatchet.
Saturday night's headliner is Grammy-winning country rebel Gretchen Wilson [pictured left], the complete antithesis to country music’s current infatuation with blonde hair and big ballads. The 36-year-old mom and Illinois native rocketed to stardom with her Billboard-topping, Grammy-winning single, “Redneck Woman” from her 2004 debut, and continued the momentum with her 2005 follow-up, All Jacked Up. Her powerhouse vocals are stronger than ever on her forthcoming self-release, I Got Your Country Right Here. Honky-tonk cat-fight “Earrings” and introspective crooner “If I Could Do It All Again” bring a decidedly old-school Southern rock feel to her sound.
Finally, Jannus Live closes things out on Sunday with a Honda Gran Prix Victory Party featuring DJ Irie and friends.
Thurs., March 25, 6:30 p.m.-late, Greg Billings Band w/Tom Gribbin and Gale Trippsmith, free admission; Fri., March 26, 8 p.m., .38 Special w/Molly Hatchet, $35 in advance/$40 dos; Sat., March 27, 8 p.m., Gretchen Wilson, $40 in advance/$45 dos; and Sun., March 28, 6 p.m., DJ Irie and friends, free admission. All shows at Jannus Live, First Avenue N. and Second Street N., downtown St. Petersburg.
This article appears in Mar 24-30, 2010.