New concert venue to host bluesman from New Orleans

Over his years booking talent for the Tunes at Twilight concert series and his own Underberg House Concerts, Larry Underberg has developed a knack for bringing independent, touring musicians to music fans in Cape Girardeau.

Now Underberg is teaming up with Garden Gallery owners Bob and Linda Bohnsack to provide the music to fill the city's newest concert venue, The Listening Room, upstairs from the Garden Gallery. Sunday the Room will host its first concert, a performance by New Orleans bluesman Bryan Lee -- a respected artist on the scene called a mentor by Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Lee performed as a guest artist on Shepherd's new album and has appeared with the young blues player on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

The Room used to be occupied by Garden Gallery before it moved downstairs into the space formerly occupied by Grace Cafe. Since that move the space has been used for concerts on a few occasions -- as an alternate site for Tunes at Twilight concerts in case of rain and, most recently, as the venue for local singer/songwriter Doug Rees' album release party.

Underberg and Bohnsack said they want to turn the place into a different type of venue than the bars that are the usual spots to see live music. The Room will be a spot for fans of live music, instead of music providing the background for drinking and socializing.

"I love listening to acts in lounges and bars, but in this venue the focus is so much on the artist," said Underberg.

No smoking is allowed and alcoholic drinks will not be served, though Bohnsack said concertgoers can bring their own drinks. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be available, Bohnsack said.

Bohnsack said he's committed to making the new venue work, and the plan is to build up a reputation by bringing in high-quality touring acts and some local acts. Lee is just the beginning -- New Orleans funk and blues player Mem Shannon is tentatively scheduled to perform in August.

msanders@semissourian.com

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