To all MJ admins, posters and readers:
I know this is not the place so much for club promotions, but this post is about a transformation of sorts that I hope will be another positive reason for people to go Downtown, so here goes:
I want to let you all know there is a new bar/club opening this week Downtown. Well, technically it never closed, but the Dive Bar has now changed it's format and interior.
You are cordially invited down to our little bar at 331 East Bay in Downtown Jacksonville. We have done a complete remodel and have converted over to a live music venue as of June 1st (this Wednesday, which is also Art Walk).
We will have a mix of touring and local bands as well as other live performances of various types (have an idea for a show? Please let us know). The room is much better suited to live music (than dj's) and we think you will enjoy the new ambiance.
And we have now made The Dive Bar nonsmoking, as well. So, smokers will have to go outside like at Mark's (you can still take drinks outside of course).
For this reopening we have a special treat this Thursday with a triple bill of Rockabilly/Punk/Surf music bands. The headliners, 'The Turbo AC's', are known for their high energy shows.
Should be a lot of fun!
This weeks band lineup is as follows:
June 1st: Rangerfield (Art Walk)
June 2ND: The Turbo AC's with The Arkham's (both from NYC) and supporting act Hollowbody Hellraisers (Gainesville)
June 3rd: Jessica Harris
June 4th: Toots Lorraine Band (a very good local jazz/cabaret act)
For more info please refer to our social media outlets:
www.divebarjax.com
www.facebook.com/divebarjacksonville
www.twitter.com/divebarjax
Thank you for your support all these years!
Regards,
Mark Hemphill
http://www.flickr.com/photos/divebarjax/5778596079/in/photostream
I love that Dive Bar is now nonsmoking. To be honest I was going to Dos Gatos more often specifically for that reason. I can't wait to check out the remodel. Thanks Mark for being such a strong supporter of downtown Jax!
Gotta say, even as a smoker I love the non-smoking environment. It works at Dos Gatos and no one ever seems annoyed. Good luck Dive Bar!
Thanks for the comments & support for Downtown.
Hope to meet some more of you at the upcoming Pub Crawl.
Will check it out at Art Walk tonight... :)
I wanted to do Art Walk tonight but can't see it soon.
Mark,
I'll be up there for sure! I'm excited to see what you and Steven have come up with, he's been telling me about it a lot lately. I really think this is a good move for Dive in general and I must admit like another mentioned, though I am also a smoker I see no problem in stepping outside. I get overwhelmed at times at the smoke in some bars and would rather be outside. Save a spot for my Sportster right out front!
For those who have yet to make your way into the NEW Dive Bar, I highly suggest stopping in sometime this weekend! I swung by quickly on Wednesday during the early hours of Art Walk just to catch a glimpse and WOW what a change. It all happen so fast too. New drink (boilermakers) specials scrippled on a massive chalk board behind the bar, fresh paint and wallpaper all around (including the bathrooms), barstools and tables and a HUGE upgrade in their sound system. I didn't stick around for the band on Wednesday but I did come back on Thursday night to watch the Turbo A.C.'s play. The sound is awesome! For anyone who enjoys attending our small choice of music venues in the urban core, this could be the new place. From my understanding they will be having two to three nights a week dedicated to the music industry. Thumbs up from me!
Thank you for those comments. The staff of both Dive and Mark's really got after it and made this transition happen. My thanks to all of them.
We still have some 'teething' problems no doubt and are aware of some items already that need to be addressed.
If you visit and have any suggestions you can discuss it with either myself or manager Steven Kelley.
The room is small and is easily overpowered by too much 'firepower' from large stage amps/speakers so that is being worked on.
Last night we had punk/psychobilly. Tonight we have an acoustic duo with Jessica and Saturday night we have the chanteuse Toots Lorraine & her band. The goal is to have an eclectic mix.
First month or so we will get an idea of what acts work best, etc.
Anyway, thanks for the support and look forward to seeing you all Downtown.
Regards,
Mark Hemphill
Toots Lorraine & her band was really off the chain last night. Love this style of music and our new live music venue Downtown.
http://t.co/jmXxaw0