You said this isn't your primary business. What inspired you to open the Blue Pearl?
Many years ago, when we lived in southern Illinois, I was introduced to Cairo, Illinois. That was what first planted the seed of opening a music venue in a historic building. Cairo has an incredible history and some great blues legends played there like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Pinetop Perkins and others. From a financial standpoint, Cairo would be considered pretty depressed (having lost most of its population and jobs since its heyday) so I wanted to open a place that was a blues club in the evening and an ice cream and soda fountain during the day so the Cairo kids would have somewhere nice to go after school and on the weekends. (Of course they would have had to scram before the blues started at night!) I pictured an old-timey juke joint I guess, but it was when we were just starting our second business and our life transitioned to St. Louis, so Cairo fell to the way side.
Years later, I wound up on Cherokee Street in a lively neighborhood full of creative, independent-minded people who appreciate music. Our building is beautiful and you can just feel the history of the place when you're in there (if only the bullet holes in the tin ceiling could tell their stories). So I guess the place itself inspired me.
What kind of place do you want it to be? What can patrons expect in a night at the Blue Pearl?
I want it to be unique but simple, laid-back but elegant, refreshing and inspiring, with great music -- whether live or on the jukebox.
See also: Johnnie Walker's San Loo to Open on Cherokee Street
The Blue Pearl will (eventually, at least) have live music-- what kind of live music?
I hope to showcase acoustic blues, bluegrass, Americana, Gospel, reggae, Appalachian, Native, or anything that could be generally construed as roots music. I am not opposed to singer-songwriters or folk music (in fact I love Joni Mitchell, Richie Havens, Woody Guthrie, etc.) but I do not want to have a coffeehouse vibe. I like some good old-fashioned rock 'n roll intensity and, well, roots in my music.
I see that you have a painting of Jerry Garcia hanging on the wall at the bar. Is that an indication that you're going to book jam bands?
While I'm certainly not opposed to smaller groups or acoustic versions of jam bands, the painting is not necessarily an indication of anything, really. While Jerry occupies an important place in my heart, the painting was not planned or a statement or anything. I was just out on Cherokee one evening and the great artist Mark Swain was selling his paintings in front of 2720. (And painting live, I believe.) If you saw the painting, you know I had to buy it! Plus Jerry loved a lot of music and was a great artist so maybe it is fitting that he is there watching over things and making sure we meet some high musical standards.
To get in touch with Sommer about booking your band, email her at [email protected].
