In a city reluctant to see its nightlife modernized, Jannus Live’s ongoing series of free concerts offer downtown regulars a familiar alternative to St. Pete’s trite club scene.
This Friday the 13th's "Voodoo Ball and Downtown Bar Crawl" is next up on Jannus’ slate of free shows. The Mardi Gras-themed event begins with a round-up at the Pelican Pub from 5 to 6 p.m. A megaphone-equipped ghoul will lead a two-hour, four bar haunt, ending at the Jannus Live courtyard with a live music lineup featuring three Bay area bands: Paint the Town Red, Unmotivated and headliner Rude Squad. Prizes will be awarded for best costume, as well as raffles for bar tabs and other swag.
The last installment in the series of free shows was the July 30 “St. Pete Summer Swagger” with Shake Mode, Mighty Mongo, and Offshore Riot, and the swagger was a complete success. The homegrown acts performed a similar blend of rock, punk and reggae, complimenting each other well. More than 700 music fans crowded into the courtyard for no charge to watch the up-and-coming bands perform on St. Pete’s most historic stage. The performance was outstanding as there was a positive urgency which young artists trying to “make it” often resonate.
“These free events are really about two things, first is reintroducing Jannus landing and the atmosphere the new Jannus has to offer to those who may have forgotten what a great venue we have right down the street, and second is the commitment on the part of Jannus to spearhead a movement devoted to cultivating young promising musicians from this area. Places like Nashville, Austin, and Seattle didn’t grow great music scenes over night. They had venues and owners, and sponsors and fans committed to supporting prospective talent. That’s a huge part of what we hope to do with these free shows,” said event coordinator Adam Simons.
Although the venue has experienced a striking makeover in last year, the essence of, and atmosphere within, Jannus remains one of relaxed appreciation for great music and good times. The free shows will continue highlighting local acts while occasionally featuring touring artists such as “The English Beat” on Friday, August 27.
If you’re looking for a posh night out in stilettos and Egyptian cotton, then you have any number of choices within the downtown block. However, if you’re thirsting for something a little edgier and uniquely St. Pete, if you love live music and the cut-loose attitude that comes with it, then there’s hardly a better option than Jannus Live.
This article appears in Aug 5-11, 2010.