By Jessie Rolph
The Daily Iowan
January 25, 2002
Reprinted with permission of The Daily Iowan © 1996.
A few blocks from
downtown, there exists a small bar lit dimly in red and green, a haven
for local musicians and music lovers.
The Green Room, at 509 S. Gilbert, has been bringing different sounds
to Iowa City for the past three years. While it started as a coffee shop,
the Green Room-- a reference to the slang for a lounge entertainers hang
out in before going onstage-- eventually added a bar, a pool table and
live music.
"We started out as a blues and jazz club and just kind of evolved
with the acts and the music," said Blake Rowley, manager.
Every night at the intimate venue is different. Monday night is home to
the blues jam, while Latin night takes place every Tuesday. Filling a
niche left absent by other area venues, the nightly music encompasses
practically every musical genre, including jam rock, alternative rock,
roots rock, live hip-hope bands, reggae, funk, ska and techno, among others.
"We offer an alternative to the normal downtown bar scene,"
Rowley said. "We're probably the only bar in town that the source
of revenue is solely through live music."
The weekly blues jam has been going since the venue's opening. Local musicians
the Blue Tunas and Jon Klinkowitz alternate weeks as hosts. While many
people come just to listen, "It gives (people) a chance to get up
on stage," Rowley said.
A wide variety of people from every age group and musical background come
to the blues jam, Rowley said. Musicians need only bring their instruments,
sign up and wait to be called on stage to play with the group.
The jam begins at 10 p.m. with no cover for performing musicians, a $3
cover for minors and a $1 cover for those over 21.
After spending a year in Venezuela, Rowley was influenced by the music
there and was inspired to start Tuesday's Latin night, another three-year
tradition. Wanting to provide an outlet for Latin music, Rowley created
a night featuring a Latin DJ and lots of dancing.
"One of the best things about it is the dancers are just incredible.
There's a lot of beginners also, and they're always welcoming in people
that are learning," Rowley said.
Dance lessons are available during the event. DJ Juan begins spinning
tunes at 9 p.m., and the $3 cover includes entry into a CD raffle.
Regular performers at the Green Room include Dave Zollo and the Body Electric,
Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise, Jupiter Coyote, Johnny Socko and
Liquid Soul.
Local band Blissfield is another regular act at the Green Room. Drummer
Josh Rosenthal, who first got involved through the blues jam, enjoys the
laid-back vibe of the venue.
"It's good exposure for an Iowa City band," Rosenthal said.
"It gives a lot of opportunity for local people to get up there and
play."
The venue can accommodate up to 300 people, giving it an intimate feel,
yet is large enough to attract nationally touring bands.
Rowley would like the challenge of managing a larger Green Room, but enjoys
having the relaxed atmosphere of a smaller venue.
The size of the venue also brings the audience closer to the stage.
"Usually, it's
pretty accessible to talk to the band and most of the time the bands are
pretty willing to talk to people," Rowley said.
Katie Stoltz, a UI student, also enjoys the intimacy of the venue.
"I like it because you are so close to the band and really have the
feeling they are playing for you," she said. "It's a cool atmosphere
because it seems like people check their egos at the door and just enjoy."
E-mail Jessie Rolph at:
[email protected]