After a more than two-year remodeling and rebranding period, downtown St. Petersburg’s beloved concert venue State Theatre has reopened under its new name, Floridian Social Club.
The Black Honkeys kicked the music some two weekends ago, and last weekend saw cover bands like Shawn Scheller & The Contenders and Black Bird Morning bring rock vibes while jazz vocalist Bryan J. Hughes plays a Valentine’s concert.
“Our concert schedule takes precedence over everything,” Operating Principle Kevin Chadwick told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay last year, noting that the lounge would be open on nights when a national headliners wasn't performing. For now, because of the pandemic’s grip on the national touring industry, that means locals drive the music programming. Gloria West and the Gents, plus Black Honkeys are on the venue’s upcoming events listings. The concerts are seated, and masks are required when not actively eating or drinking.
And don’t worry the music will sound better than it did the old State Theatre days—anyone remember the Cat Power sound-related freak out in 2007? A state-of-the-art Kara PA sound system was installed by industry leader ESI.
Beverage director Niall McCourt brought a major upgrade to the drinks, too. The website boasts a seasonal cocktail list with intriguing names like Naked and Famous, God’s Waiting Room, and Peppertown. And even more intriguing ingredients like Fig Infused Cocchi di Torino and Chartreuse.
Though the drinks sound delicious, the 800-capacity venue is staying out of the food game.
“We’ve partnered with neighborhood restaurants to give you the ultimate control in where to go out,” states the Floridian Social Club. Though none are listed yet, they are promising delivery from local spots at some point.
Hours listed on the Floridian Social Club’s Facebook page are 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, and 4 p.m.-3 a.m. Fri. and Saturday. The venue is closed on Mondays.
See a list of Tampa Bay’s “Safe & Sound” live music venues here.
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