Looks like jazz music at the Beach Bar has hit some sour notes.
The Facebook page for the uber-popular watering hole announced this week that it will host a "Sunday afternoon Beach Party with Live music beginning at 4:20 pm OCT 31st……………… THE ROSENCRANZ."
A Google search identifies The Rosencranz as an indie rock ban from Italy, currently on tour in the US, playing in New Orleans this week.
If the Beach Bar has 86ed jazz, it spells the end to a years-long tradition on the island. Steve Simon, an award-winning clarinetist and composer, began the tradition when he gathered some of his friends to play live music as the weekend wrapped up. Hundreds of locals and visitors stopped by the bar to enjoy the fun. Musicians on holiday from St. John as well as St. Thomas would drop in and jam with the group.
By going with indie rock or other music, it would appear the Beach Bar is trying to "young up" its demographics on Sunday afternoons and, of course, boost the bar business. Another reason the jazz may be ending could be that Simon, who founded and produces the St. John Blues festival, is developing business interests off island which take him to the mainland more often.
- More about the Blues Fest here:
WHAT SAD NEWS.
Sunday Jazz at the Beach Bar is half the reason we visit STJ.
Bob & Jean, NH
The reason for the Jazz finishing at the Beach Bar has nothing to do with Steve Simon. Many people, local and tourists go to it and it really is a wonderful tradition. The Beach Bar always made a lot of money from it. Maybe they will realize their mistake in time but by then it will probably be too late!
Say it isn’t so! We love the Sunday Jazz Jam. They’re making a huge mistake if they change it to something else.
Your right Simon has not been part of it for a while. The new band leader and his demanding tactics were the final straw. The beach bar has struggled with the jazz patrons for a long time. They bring their own food and drinks or they take a seat at the bar a only have club soda for hours, so although it appears busy, the dollars are stagnant. There are loads of talented musicians who will still be playing at the beach bar every Sunday from all different genres.
Makes sense to me from a business perspective. Thanks for the insight.
It would be cool if someone developed a Web site featuring St. John’s own bands.
Hi,
I’m Hank from Coyote Love, an indie Rock-n-Soul band out of NYC. First of all, I dig the sound of the Beach Bar place and want to go there right now instead of looking out on Seaman Avenue as winter comes on. Secondly, we wanted to ask advice from Frank and the local experts on music and hanging because we plan on coming down to play for 10 days in March from the 11th-20th. Have no gigs set up yet but have some contacts who promise to help etc. I wanted to ask you good folks if you think that the St. John Blues Fest from the 16th-20th will have a negative or a positive impact on our efforts. Do you all think that there will still be gigs for us during that weekend (if we book them now)?
Much respect,
Hank
Coyote Love
http://www.coyotelovemusic.com
[email protected]
what jazzeater describes is not uncommon. In my area, I see the same high-head count, low sales dollars result locally at social clubs and bars/restaurants that do music nights.
Every time I walked by, it sounded like they were each playing a different song.. or they had some one that could not sing screeching up there… that lady may have been great in the 50’s,,, but was clearly getting sympathy applause..
I chose to just walk on by,, not suggest Beach Bar to any one on Sunday and spent my $$ elsewhere…..
I will start spending it there again with the new changes… guess it was a good call by the powers that be…as I am sure I am not the only one….
The Beach Bar’s shift from jazz to indie rock marks the end of a cherished island tradition. While embracing new music may attract a younger crowd, it signals a change in demographics. The decision may also be influenced by the founder’s evolving business commitments. For a break from transitions, enjoy your favorite tunes. And if you’re facing dish network billing issues, click here for assistance.