ST. PETERSBURG - Celebrate the opening of the Palladium Theater's new Side Door Cabaret, with Damon Fowler and other Palladium favorites and others in January and February.
The Palladium’s intimate Side Door Cabaret is already a favorite of audiences and artists. Musicians say it’s the best place to play in Tampa Bay – a room with great acoustics where fans come to listen to the music.
Starting in January, the Palladium is unveiling a renovated Side Door that people will love even better.
In the old Side Door, the thick columns – holding up the Hough Hall floor above - blocked sight lines, forcing some folks to choose between watching the pianist on stage left or the singer on stage right. Those columns have been shrunk, removing several inches on all sides, to open up more sight lines.
The stage was always too small and on the wrong side of the room. A piano wouldn't fit on stage nor would a band with more than five players. Artists also had to walk through the club to get to the stage.
The stage now has been moved to the north wall, allowing artists to enter from doors opening onto the backstage hallway. The stage has been expanded to accommodate larger groups and a grand piano.
The room is being finished with new carpet and an improved lighting grid. The sound system was updated and improved last year.
To celebrate the new Side Door Cabaret, the Palladium is bringing in a couple of its favorite artists in January and February, plus some surprises. Damon Fowler, Tampa Bay’s top blues guitarist, opens the room with two nights of house-rocking blues. His shows are Friday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 7 at 8 p.m.
New Zealand singer-songwriter, Jackie Bristow, who opened for Tommy Emmanuel last year, arrives on Sunday, Jan. 8 for a 7 p.m. show.
For jazz audiences, the Kym Purling Trio plays on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m., 253 Fifth Ave. N., St.Petersburg. Call 822-3590 or visit www.mypalladium.org.
![[Image]](/content_images/122811_leconcert-01.jpg)
