Various venues thriving in Tampa

By Jimmy Geurts

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TAMPA, Fla. — Despite a turbulent economy and the shutdown of local music venues like Jannus Landing, two of the Tampa Bay area's many venues have managed to stay afloat — with wildly differing methods to make their music heard. 

The Ritz Ybor, located on 1503 E. 7th Ave., now hosts lavish private events with catering as well as concerts. Meanwhile, Transitions Art Gallery, located on 4215 E. Columbus Drive, relegates many of its behind-the-scene tasks to one person.

The Ritz Ybor's restored building opened its doors on June 24, 2008 and in three years it has hosted sold-out concerts for pop provocateur Lady Gaga, techno group Tiesto and '90s-alternative outfit The Smashing Pumpkins.

Okesene Tilo, the Ritz Ybor's public relations director, said that renting out the Ritz's grand foyer to events like private weddings and Super Bowl parties has helped gather income.

"We've had a pretty jam-packed schedule, not with just concerts, but with also the private events side — a lot of non-profits, a lot of social organizations, a lot of weddings, a lot of galas, even sweet 16 parties are all held at this venue — which I think kind of differentiates it from other concert venues," Tilo said.

As for the venue's future, Tilo said he believes that the Ritz Ybor's management might continue to revamp and decorate the building beyond the roughly $2 million initial renovations.

"I could possibly see just some more interior upgrades, possibly expanding the building," Tilo said. "I'd like to see our historic marquee come back on the outside — which is something we're looking into."

Compared to the 17,000 square-foot Ritz Ybor,  Transitions Art Gallery is a small, dusty warehouse space next to the Skatepark of Tampa that never sells out its local and punk shows.

Matt Welch, Transitions Art Gallery's manager, said he is able to reduce expenses by booking bands, cleaning trash, and occasionally working sound systems himself.

"The way I introduce it is I own it, I run it, I clean it," Welch said. "I'm the janitor. I'm the janitor staff, the PR staff, the manager, (and) the CEO."

Welch said he also cuts costs by choosing not to advertise in print media. 

"Back in 1986, shows were $5," Welch said. "We still do have $5 shows from time to time, but if you really adjusted for inflation…your average show should really be coming around $15 per show. But obviously, your average young person wouldn't be paying $15 for five local bands.  So we try to keep the expenses low, so we can keep the door price low."

Not all venues have been successful in avoiding heavy expenses. Jannus Landing shut down last year following financial troubles and previous owner John C. Bodziak's arrest for over $200,000 in unpaid sales taxes, and reopened this March as Jannus Live under new ownership.

The Bourbon Street Nightclub in New Port Richey also closed, due to economic woes and restricting fire-hazard laws. 

Welch said he sets up shows with other venues to help them prosper — based on each band's audience.

He sends metal bands like Suffocation to the Brass Mug on Fletcher Avenue.  After a cramped 2008 show with keyboard-drum combo Matt & Kim — whose songs are now featured on NBC and Bacardi commercials — Welch said he helped arrange a concert at the Ybor City club Czar.

"It worked — the show went well," Welch said. "They did twice as many people as the previous show. All parties did well that night financially, and the vibe was great."

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