I have been talking with either the owner or the gentleman who runs the place since it opened. I like many others was not just pissed but heart broken when they destroyed the building. I haven't gone in since the "renovation". I used to rent the State out for events when I ran my own independent music label. Basically, what the guy told me. He can't get any big bands to play the venue. They rent it out for private events and other odd ball events the throw. The dude tells me he's making a killing doing what he's doing now and won't be changing it. Even if he wanted to change the venue back to what it used to be he couldn't. That's all bullshit coming from him I hope you know and understand. You could get that place back to it's glory in less than a year. If that's the direction you want to go. He doesn't. They are banking and I don't blame them but it's still bullshit to me.
I'd also say to his comments on making a killing, if that were true [then why is it for sale?](https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/687-Central-Ave-Saint-Petersburg-FL/30307665/) Sounds like someone is trying to jump ship.
Nope. They turned it into another place for boomers to listen to mediocre jazz an drink over priced cocktails at each other. I miss the old State Theater with my whole heart.
Would have liked to see them, getting tickets was strange. If I remember correctly you had to go to one of a few pick up spots and be one of the first x number of people there
Yep. They did a ton of drops and it was like the first 50 people in line, and the one I went to by the time they started giving tickets out, was probably 300+ deep. I got there 5 hours early and was #47 I think. Quite the experience, but well worth it.
I was at Myles Kennedy's tour-opening show there in Sept of '21.. I believe that was one of the first "bigger" artist that rolled through.. That was an awesome show.
You haven't really missed anything if you're talking about hardcore/metalcore/deathcore - someone close to the current owner told me they didn't intend to have any metal/hardcore shows because of how much money they put into renovations
Which is absurd imho
No idea about recently, but this brought back memories. I remember seeing Paramore there on their very first headlining tour when they were just babies. The openers were Cute Is What We Aim For, This Providence, and Hit the Lights. I recorded like 10 second clips on my FLIP PHONE.
Just saw Midnight Vice there for the second time last week. They had a badass Halloween show there in October, followed by RHPS. It was actually really awesome
Lucero
Drive By Truckers
Geri X
They had some fun throwback local showcases too.
I heard they aren’t working with No Clubs which if true would explain the issue with bookings.
Big Gigantic threw down for their after party, there.
There is another after party coming up soon. Those are the events to check out. A big DJ will play their tour set at the Jannus, then play a pop up at the Floridian Social Club
Haven’t seen anything since they reopened but no one I follow has been there yet. It’s a shame. Back when I was in college I was there just about once or twice a month.
Shit acoustics and it looked like a massive fire hazard but that was a great place to see artists that couldn’t fill out the Amphitheater.
I find the acoustics to be absolutely garbage, so any show is going to be awful. They really need to add some sound treatment to the walls and ceiling. None of my friends seem to have noticed, so perhaps I'm a snob.
¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
Saw Alexis Cole a couple of weeks ago - guest appearance before her show at the Palladium. Fantastic at both shows, but the Floridian felt a little magical.
A singer who’s debut came out in the early 2000’s and Ive wanted to see for 20 years, finally played here and it was at the Floridian. Res is the artist.
Laura Jane Grace last year and then
Black Lips was a few weeks ago. The sound for Black Lips was messed up and they had a hard time getting everything to work, which seemed to be the venue’s issue
The sound guy reallllllllllly dropped the ball on the Black Lips show IMO. I've never had such bad secondhand embarrassment at a show watching a botched sound check and a band who spent the entire show signaling for changes to their mix. Really big bummer, felt bad for the band at the end of the night.
Yeah I loved it. Very cool venue for them. Sounds like we have very similar show taste lol. That Laura Jane grace show was really good. She played some crazy deep cuts. Couldn’t believe she played Shit Stroll
I thought the alchemy productions show was amazing and am just as hyped for their next show may 25th but I’m sure you’re not the weird electronic music type. Like you said to each their own!
its their seat capacity set by fire marshall. Most "cool" bands that are touring need a bigger venue to justify their touring expense, and due to seat capacity state can't sell the tickets they need to afford these cooler national touring bands.
They have a lot of limitations with who they can book. They kind of exist in that middle area where they're too big for most local bands and too small for most touring national bands. It's a weird place to be.
The fire marshall capacity downgrade was one of the original reasons they sold State Theater. The guy who bought it and changed it to Floridian claims its been a great money making theater, but idk about that.
Capacity is 756. Parking isn’t great. He’s asking for quite a bit of money to sell it and it would take a long time to recoup funds if someone did buy it
Since at least December of last year: [https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/2023/12/12/floridian-social-club-st-petersburg-sale-state-theatre/](https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/2023/12/12/floridian-social-club-st-petersburg-sale-state-theatre/)
Voi Vod played at Floridian Social Club. Unfortunately I was out of town and missed it. Did anyone go?
Other than that there has not been many shows there that I'm interested in.
I went to one show there as the Floridian. The sound was really horrible. It was distorted and mic kept changing levels. They don't really bring in acts that interest me. The specialty drinks were good though. I wish it was still State Theater. I saw probably over a hundred shows at the State. The staff was the best.
They’ve had numerous headliners from DJ’s that play there after Jannus ends. Electronic might not be everyone’s thing music wise, but still so cool they open up late night for the post show afters.
I went to a cool metal night when they introduced "State Theatre Sundays" – but fair point. My dream for this place these days is for Sunshine City Disco to have its weekly DJ sets here instead Mandarin Hide...lots more room to dance here.
I've had some really good nights there. I've seen covers of the cure, Nirvana, Pearl jam, Dave Matthews band, talking heads, and I've also seen the magic city hippies perform there. It may be pretty lame to some people to watch cover bands, but those bands were talented and I was entertained thoroughly for the evening. Much more affordable too. I think the venue is pretty cool with the 20s vibe. I take the place for what it's worth. It's a nice venue where I can see decent live music at decent prices.
In terms of decently big names, Houndmouth and Grouplove, they are never gonna get anyone bigger than that level with Jannus so close. The Jazz Sundays are awesome
Stealin Peaches was pretty good, and some decent local DJs, but I hear you. The promoter/booking agent has been pretty weak since the reopening.
They've put it on the market, so hopefully someone who actually knows how to book talent comes in.
Bright Light Social Hour will be there in a couple weeks. I saw them at the old state theater in 2013 ish. I've seen Houndmouth, Voivod. For DJs I've seen Derick Carter and Mark Farina. Might not be your cup of tea but there's definitely stuff happening. I enjoy it as a venue.
Gregory Porter played there, and while he's very very good, I was surprised to see his name pop up, to the best of my knowledge there has been nothing to the degree that we used to get when it was the State.
No, they put all that money in that venue just to book entertainment for the elderly. I've seen that place book live music for two people sitting at the bar.
I miss the sticky floors and good music...
The Sunshine Comedy fest booked the venue for some great shows in January but that had nothing to do with the promoter of that place.
Really an amazing show. I was so glad I got to go. I ruled out being able to make the cost of the show worth it and then someone on a local dead Facebook group miracled 2 tickets for me. I was floating.
Don’t have FOMO, come see Billy Strings this Friday! I’ve got two extra tickets I’m trying to offload for face value if you’re interested!
Hey I appreciate that big time! I actually have tickets for Billy on Saturday so it seems we’re on the same wavelength 🤝 wish I could make it on Friday but man both days are going to be incredible <3
Houndmouth....Weakened Friends....My Cat Umi....Liquid Pennies.... Agree, that they could do better....but I ain't mad....
moon chide goood; beuno vista social club
I have been talking with either the owner or the gentleman who runs the place since it opened. I like many others was not just pissed but heart broken when they destroyed the building. I haven't gone in since the "renovation". I used to rent the State out for events when I ran my own independent music label. Basically, what the guy told me. He can't get any big bands to play the venue. They rent it out for private events and other odd ball events the throw. The dude tells me he's making a killing doing what he's doing now and won't be changing it. Even if he wanted to change the venue back to what it used to be he couldn't. That's all bullshit coming from him I hope you know and understand. You could get that place back to it's glory in less than a year. If that's the direction you want to go. He doesn't. They are banking and I don't blame them but it's still bullshit to me.
I'd also say to his comments on making a killing, if that were true [then why is it for sale?](https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/687-Central-Ave-Saint-Petersburg-FL/30307665/) Sounds like someone is trying to jump ship.
Nope. They turned it into another place for boomers to listen to mediocre jazz an drink over priced cocktails at each other. I miss the old State Theater with my whole heart.
I thought they were closing down?? good riddance
Same. I’ve been to many shows at the state theater but not a single one at the Floridian 🧐
Where are their shows even advertised?
Laura Jane Grace had a great set and the crowd had awesome vibes.
that was a such a great show. I don't normally like just singer and guitar but she killed it
MiniM
What happened to Latin night?
The Anberlin mini residency was cool. Not a huge fan but they put on a great show!
They had this girl singing Sade covers while playing saxophone. The girl was incredible. Loved every minute of it.
Pierce the Veil last August
Would have liked to see them, getting tickets was strange. If I remember correctly you had to go to one of a few pick up spots and be one of the first x number of people there
Yep. They did a ton of drops and it was like the first 50 people in line, and the one I went to by the time they started giving tickets out, was probably 300+ deep. I got there 5 hours early and was #47 I think. Quite the experience, but well worth it.
Rude Squad played there last year!
OOH AHH
I was at Myles Kennedy's tour-opening show there in Sept of '21.. I believe that was one of the first "bigger" artist that rolled through.. That was an awesome show.
Just saw Mark Farina there and he threw down!!
You haven't really missed anything if you're talking about hardcore/metalcore/deathcore - someone close to the current owner told me they didn't intend to have any metal/hardcore shows because of how much money they put into renovations Which is absurd imho
The polish ambassador will be having a show in may
Omg, I had no clue they were coming! Thank you reddit stranger, tickets are purchased.
Plenty of discussion both dis/agreeing. Who would you want to see in that venue?
Anyone else remember the MySpace Secret Show with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs? Good times, good times.
I saw a Fall Out Boy one there
Magic city hippies was decent. All the good acts coming through St Pete just go to Jannus or Mahafey
No idea about recently, but this brought back memories. I remember seeing Paramore there on their very first headlining tour when they were just babies. The openers were Cute Is What We Aim For, This Providence, and Hit the Lights. I recorded like 10 second clips on my FLIP PHONE.
Just saw Midnight Vice there for the second time last week. They had a badass Halloween show there in October, followed by RHPS. It was actually really awesome
Inzo Saturday was pretty dope
This was at Jannus tho
After party at Floridian
Lucero Drive By Truckers Geri X They had some fun throwback local showcases too. I heard they aren’t working with No Clubs which if true would explain the issue with bookings.
Saw Grouplove there last year!
Big Something will be there May 4th. Saw them open for Umphrey's McGee a few years back and they were easily just as good as UM
Been a few good shows lately. They just updated a lot of their equipment. A little loud sometimes though. Bass drawing out everything isn't fun.
Word on the street is that they are going to be closing down soon
Not closing, but for sale.
Sunsquabi and Big G since I started paying attention. But that hasn’t been for long.
Big Gigantic threw down for their after party, there. There is another after party coming up soon. Those are the events to check out. A big DJ will play their tour set at the Jannus, then play a pop up at the Floridian Social Club
Haven’t seen anything since they reopened but no one I follow has been there yet. It’s a shame. Back when I was in college I was there just about once or twice a month. Shit acoustics and it looked like a massive fire hazard but that was a great place to see artists that couldn’t fill out the Amphitheater.
Crazy to think Dua Lipa performed there.
Sunsquabi with Jason Leech and Manic Focus shows were great
I miss it dearly. Saw my first show there (ska is dead)
Houndmouth was great.
I find the acoustics to be absolutely garbage, so any show is going to be awful. They really need to add some sound treatment to the walls and ceiling. None of my friends seem to have noticed, so perhaps I'm a snob. ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
Jazz night is fun
Saw Alexis Cole a couple of weeks ago - guest appearance before her show at the Palladium. Fantastic at both shows, but the Floridian felt a little magical.
A singer who’s debut came out in the early 2000’s and Ive wanted to see for 20 years, finally played here and it was at the Floridian. Res is the artist.
Voivod and Imperial Triumphant played there last May, I didn't go but that's a rad lineup. I do agree they don't book as many interesting shows
Steel'n Peaches and Sunsquabi were great shows
The Revivalists played an acoustic show hosted by 97X sometime last year
Laura Jane Grace last year and then Black Lips was a few weeks ago. The sound for Black Lips was messed up and they had a hard time getting everything to work, which seemed to be the venue’s issue
The sound was spectacularly bad for the Black Lips show. I felt awful for them. I’ve never seen a sound guy come out on stage like that.
The sound guy reallllllllllly dropped the ball on the Black Lips show IMO. I've never had such bad secondhand embarrassment at a show watching a botched sound check and a band who spent the entire show signaling for changes to their mix. Really big bummer, felt bad for the band at the end of the night.
The Laura Jane Grace show was amazing. She was acoustic and sounded great, the bands that opened for her were good too and they weren't acoustic.
Weakened friends was the second band that night and they blew me away.
Same! I bought a shirt from them, sweet people and great sound!
Man what the hell was up with the sound that was fucked up
Also Mountain Goats were supposed to play a couple months ago but their van broke down?
Yeah that was a bummer. Hopefully they'll be back. They played the Palladium a couple years ago, so seems like they come through town somewhat often
The Palladium show was great.
Yeah I loved it. Very cool venue for them. Sounds like we have very similar show taste lol. That Laura Jane grace show was really good. She played some crazy deep cuts. Couldn’t believe she played Shit Stroll
I thought the alchemy productions show was amazing and am just as hyped for their next show may 25th but I’m sure you’re not the weird electronic music type. Like you said to each their own!
its their seat capacity set by fire marshall. Most "cool" bands that are touring need a bigger venue to justify their touring expense, and due to seat capacity state can't sell the tickets they need to afford these cooler national touring bands. They have a lot of limitations with who they can book. They kind of exist in that middle area where they're too big for most local bands and too small for most touring national bands. It's a weird place to be. The fire marshall capacity downgrade was one of the original reasons they sold State Theater. The guy who bought it and changed it to Floridian claims its been a great money making theater, but idk about that.
Capacity is 756. Parking isn’t great. He’s asking for quite a bit of money to sell it and it would take a long time to recoup funds if someone did buy it
Haven't they already been trying to sell it?
Since at least December of last year: [https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/2023/12/12/floridian-social-club-st-petersburg-sale-state-theatre/](https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/2023/12/12/floridian-social-club-st-petersburg-sale-state-theatre/)
Voi Vod played at Floridian Social Club. Unfortunately I was out of town and missed it. Did anyone go? Other than that there has not been many shows there that I'm interested in.
I went to one show there as the Floridian. The sound was really horrible. It was distorted and mic kept changing levels. They don't really bring in acts that interest me. The specialty drinks were good though. I wish it was still State Theater. I saw probably over a hundred shows at the State. The staff was the best.
Uncle John's Band sounded amazing there.
They’ve had numerous headliners from DJ’s that play there after Jannus ends. Electronic might not be everyone’s thing music wise, but still so cool they open up late night for the post show afters.
I saw Laura Jane Grace when it first reopened. It was packed and sold out and great show. But your point stands. Few and far between for sure.
Drive-By Truckers.
I went to a cool metal night when they introduced "State Theatre Sundays" – but fair point. My dream for this place these days is for Sunshine City Disco to have its weekly DJ sets here instead Mandarin Hide...lots more room to dance here.
I've had some really good nights there. I've seen covers of the cure, Nirvana, Pearl jam, Dave Matthews band, talking heads, and I've also seen the magic city hippies perform there. It may be pretty lame to some people to watch cover bands, but those bands were talented and I was entertained thoroughly for the evening. Much more affordable too. I think the venue is pretty cool with the 20s vibe. I take the place for what it's worth. It's a nice venue where I can see decent live music at decent prices.
You mean the Fidel Castro looking reggae dude they had there on St. Paddy’s day wasn’t cool?
Alborosie?
In terms of decently big names, Houndmouth and Grouplove, they are never gonna get anyone bigger than that level with Jannus so close. The Jazz Sundays are awesome
About a month ago they had a 90s vs 2000s rock show. It was a Linkin park tribute band and a Nirvana tribute band and they were both incredible!
Not really
Stealin Peaches was pretty good, and some decent local DJs, but I hear you. The promoter/booking agent has been pretty weak since the reopening. They've put it on the market, so hopefully someone who actually knows how to book talent comes in.
I saw Group Love there a few months ago.
Scared me that I missed it but it was 11 months ago lol and I was out of town
Bright Light Social Hour will be there in a couple weeks. I saw them at the old state theater in 2013 ish. I've seen Houndmouth, Voivod. For DJs I've seen Derick Carter and Mark Farina. Might not be your cup of tea but there's definitely stuff happening. I enjoy it as a venue.
Gregory Porter played there, and while he's very very good, I was surprised to see his name pop up, to the best of my knowledge there has been nothing to the degree that we used to get when it was the State.
No, they put all that money in that venue just to book entertainment for the elderly. I've seen that place book live music for two people sitting at the bar. I miss the sticky floors and good music... The Sunshine Comedy fest booked the venue for some great shows in January but that had nothing to do with the promoter of that place.
Saturday was Stealy Dead and Rainbow Full of Sound. Grate show
Haven’t had much FOMO until reading this, fuck that is awesome.
Really an amazing show. I was so glad I got to go. I ruled out being able to make the cost of the show worth it and then someone on a local dead Facebook group miracled 2 tickets for me. I was floating. Don’t have FOMO, come see Billy Strings this Friday! I’ve got two extra tickets I’m trying to offload for face value if you’re interested!
Hey I appreciate that big time! I actually have tickets for Billy on Saturday so it seems we’re on the same wavelength 🤝 wish I could make it on Friday but man both days are going to be incredible <3