On of my favorite aspects of summer is outdoor music. I am continually on the search for new music spots and this summer, I may have found one of the hidden gems of St. Louis. Now, to some people, this is old news. But considering I have only been back in St. Louis for less than a year, this is new to me.
My new favorite summer spot is the outside patio at Beale on Broadway. To be totally honest, the blues is really the last genre of music that I have taken the time to get into. I mean, my spectrum goes all across the board, but when it comes to live music it was usually smaller indie stuff or the standard Pageant/Duck Room/Billiken Club/Off Broadway/Upstairs Lounge/Bluebird scene in St. Louis.
I guess I saved one of the best for last. The patio is usually casually bumping on any given night of the week, considering that Beale has music every day of the week. It has a great feel to it and I overheard Gina Sicilia’s manager describe it as an “Outdoor Juke Joint.” I found his description quite fitting. The crowd ranges from early 20-somethings to old school guys who have been coming there for years.
With ample seating, a unique ambiance, attentive (awesome) staff and $4 PBR tall boys, this is a spot that has become a staple. Using all of my absurdly charming ways and a few Patron shots, I was able to get a St. Louis, possibly worldwide, exclusive interview with the patio himself from Beale On Broadway. Check it out:
InsideSTL.com: So, um, how’s it going?
Beale Patio: Pretty good. It is summer time, the drinks are flowing and the ladies are out, so I can’t really complain.
InsideSTL: This is the first time I have ever interviewed a patio. Weird. Hmm, how old are you?
Beale Patio: Well, I was built in September of 2000, so that makes me 8 in human years. I am much older in deck years, but that involves the Quadratic Formula and this is neither the time nor place for that.
InsideSTL: Fair enough. So who put you together?
Beale Patio: The owner, Bud and these three homeless guys built me with recycled lumber that some say is magical.
InsideSTL: Nice. So for those that don’t know, what type of music is most often on your stage?
Beale Patio: Blues first and foremost. We rock old school blues. Hard.
InsideSTL: How is your love life?
Beale Patio: Ha, well, I am always trying to holler at the patio over at the Royale, but she won’t return my phone calls. Brick patios man, I never trust em’. Always trying to take my money.
InsideSTL: Wow, thanks for the words of wisdom. So who are some of the bigger names that have been on your stage?
Beale Patio: Lets see, we’ve had Johnny Winters, The Blasters, Los Strait Jackets, Asleep at the Wheel, Big Sandy and his Fly-rite Boys, Junior Brown, Wayne the train Hancock, Magic Slim and the Tear Drops.
InsideSTL: Nice. Has anybody famous ever puked on you before?
Beale Patio: Nope, only a few wasted Cardinal fans.
InsideSTL: Any celebrities ever stop by and party with you?
Beale Patio: Well, I often have many of my celebrity friend’s stop in to say what’s up. But yeah, we keep it real down at Beale. Sweet I just rhymed, do you mind if I freestyle for a minute?
InsideSTL: Ok, ok, lets calm it down. So what big acts are coming up that I should know about?
Beale Patio: Well, I would have to say Jeremy Spencer from the original Fleetwood Mac on July 10th. He has not played in the US for 37 years and it should be a truly legendary show.
InsideSTL: So, is there anything that makes your sound unique onstage?
Beale Patio: Well, Bud, the owner, has this ridiculously awesome collection of vintage amps and guitars that he lets the musician’s use, which gives Beale it’s unique sound. I’m talking 50's and 60's Fender Tweed and Blackface amps, 1965 Deluxe Reverb, 1964 Super Reverb, 1965 Tremoluxe, 1965 Champ and a 1968 Twin Reverb. Stop by and check them out, you won’t find that type of equipment anywhere else.
What would you say are the top 5 reasons someone should stop by Beale On Broadway?
Beale Patio:
1. Hear some of the best blues music St. Louis has to offer.
2. Enjoy live music in a unique outdoor setting.
3. Catch Kim Massie tear the roof off the motha' every Tuesday and Thursday.
4. See past and present local blues legends who often drop by.
5. Marvel at some of the cleanest restrooms this side of the Mississippi.
Ever been to Beale? e-mail me at anthony.spina@insideSTL.com