We've got good news and bad news. 

We'll start with the bad..
Some of you may or may not have heard rumors that Cruisin' Rte 66 is closing.  The truth is, yes, we are closing at the end of February.  Our last show is February 27th with Science Hill, Arythma, The Upright Animals and Groupthink.  We will be open every day but Sunday until then.  Stop by and see us!

The good news is we are opening a new venue in March called The Library. We are incredibly excited about it, and we're sure you'll love the place.  It will be located in Soulard and we will continue to bring you some of the best live music in the area! 

One of our staff members posted a blog about us and the move.  We've copied it and pasted it below, if you'd like to read it.


When one door closes, another one opens...

In early 2006 the owners of Cruisin' Rte 66 (Angel and Matt) put endless hours of hard work into getting the place so many of us call a second home open for business.  Being newcomers, they had very little help and there were surely plenty of skeptics.  So, the majority of the blood, sweat and tears put in were there own.  Finally, on March 17th, 2006, they opened the doors and their dream became a reality with the band, Radio Star, packing the place!

The first year of business brought many changes to a place that had pretty much stayed the same for the 25 years prior.  Then, in 2007, they decided to try something very different and even may have seemed a bit risky...original music.

At first, it was an occasional show with a few of the local bands.  Then, moved to regular shows during the week.  As the owners got to know these musicians and listened to the songs that they wrote, they fell more and more in love with the original music scene that seemed to be withering away as so many of St. Louis' venues closed.  They wanted to showcase these bands that were working so hard to be heard.  Angel even wrote a piece for STL Sound Magazine on the importance of supporting the local music scene. They began booking original bands on a more regular basis and decided to dedicate an entire day to them, 13 Bands in 13 Hours.

With all of this talent surrounding them, they realized a new dream...To have the opportunity to one day be in the middle of a stadium or ampitheatre, packed with screaming fans that can't wait to see a band that got their start playing a stage at this cool little joint on Route 66.  So, they made the decision to go all original, all the time and give the bands the opportunity to make a little cash while doing what they love.  They didn't take profit from the door and refused to have the bands "pay to play".  Most of the time, they would be sure to buy merch from the bands, just to help out.  They always did what they could to make the bands feel at home.  Some of the musicians even took to calling Angel, "Band Mom".  Probably because she was always there to lend an ear and offer love and support, even when she had a million things going on in her own life.  She was never too busy to talk when someone needed it.  Some might think she puts too much heart into it, but I think that heart being in it is what made this place what it is.  I'm proud that I work for someone like that.    

We've shared so many good times with the musicians and patrons in this building and the best part about it, in my opinion, is that no one has ever NOT "fit in".  As long as you were here to have a good time while checking out some great original bands or being your own kind of rockstar for open mic or karaoke nights, that's all you needed.  No one cared what you dressed like or where you came from. If it happened to be an open mic or karaoke night and you were brave enough to step on stage, you had support and encouragement no matter what your skill level was.  It's been easy to feel like I have a second family... disfunctional at times, but never lacking love. :)

But, as with everything in life, change is inevitable...

It feels strange to say that after three years and countless talented musicians on our stage, Cruisin' Rte 66 will host it's final show on February 27th, 2009.  This place truly be missed by all of us who have spent time here on either side of the bar, on stage or off.  Luckily, this is not the end.  It is a new chapter in our story and our beloved music scene.  In March, we will be opening a beautiful new venue, The Library, in a fantastic location in Soulard!  

We've all been working hard on getting the place ready to open and words can't express how grateful Matt and Angel are for the support they've gotten.  So many people have offered help, taking time from their busy schedules to paint, scrape, clean, build walls, and anything else that may be needed in order to expedite the process.  Many of the people that have come down to help out are the very musicians that Cruisin' Rte 66 has shown love and support to.  None of them have asked for anything in return.  They just want to take part in something great, and give back to people that have supported them.  If Angel and Matt had not taken a chance on original music and welcomed it with open arms into their business without asking for anything more than bringing people to a show, this may not be possible.  They may have opened Cruisin' Rte 66 virtually on their own, but now, because they've put their hearts into it and treated the bands with kindness and generosity, they have a team of people more than willing to help and wishing them nothing but success.  This really is a place that has been built on love and I honestly believe that that it will be a landmark in the St. Louis music scene.  I am thrilled to be a part of it!

If you have any questions about the new place, feel free to stop by Cruisin' Rte 66 before we say farewell on February 27th with Science Hill, Arythma, The Upright Animals and Groupthink.



Jennifer Schrader

Cruisin' Rte 66 features some of St. Louis' best LIVE, ORIGINAL music on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays! We are always looking for great musicians to showcase at our club. We also do the best we can to make sure that everyone playing has a great time while playing a great venue!

We are currently booking 2009!  If you're interested in playing at this great venue, please read the following information and send any inquiries to booking@cruisinbar.com. You may also contact us via myspace.

***Please read the following information carefully.  There have been a few changes to our policies and procedures for 2009.  The changes will not apply to shows that were confirmed prior to December 8th, 2008***

Any band booked must be able too play 30-45 minutes of ORIGINAL music.  Absolutely NO COVERS.

If your band is new to the venue, it is very likely that you will be asked to play on a Monday or Tuesday before being given a weekend.  

On Mondays and Tuesdays, shows will typically start at 8pm.  Load in is at 6:15.
On Fridays and Saturdays shows will typically start at 9pm.  Load in is at 7:15

Support the music scene by watching the other bands play. Encourage your friends/fans to do so as well.

We do not release the set order until load in.  So, please encourage your fans to come early and stay late.  

Please be sure you can bring a minimum of 15 paying patrons out to see you on a weeknight and 25 on a weekend. We understand that this can be difficult for bands just starting out, however it is unfair to expect the other bands who did draw to pay you to play. Please don't see this as discouraging, we want you to have the opportunity to play and with some other great bands.

Most shows are 21+.

There is a NO MOSHING policy.

The MINIMUM cover charge will be $6.00.  In order to continue to provide the best sound in the area, $2.00 of that will go to our sound engineer, the rest will be split evenly between the bands.  

Bands are paid at the end of the show, not the end of their set.  If 50% of your band is not here to receive payment, the money will be split between the rest of the bands.  The venue DOES NOT keep any of that money.

Performers receive 50% off tab. This does not include management, roadies or significant others.

Do everything you can to promote your show. There is no set crowd here and it's rude to expect the other bands to pay you to play.  We will also do our part to help you promote.  However, please keep in mind that we have ONE person in charge of booking all of our shows and communicating with all of the bands and fans.  In most cases, the bands that play here are not trying to promote more than a couple of shows a month and there are usually 3-5 members in a band.  If each member of each band promotes the show, it will help tremendously!

Drop off or mail fliers at least 2 weeks before the show so we can pass pass them out and hang them in the bar. ***If this is not done, your discount will not be honored.

When listing your show on websites, fliers, etc. please list us as Cruisin' Rte 66.  If you list us as Cruisin', Cruisin' Bar, Route 66, 66, or any other nickname we have it may make it difficult for those who have not been here before to find us.

Other contact info for the venue:

Cruisin' Rte 66
7895 Watson Rd
St Louis, MO 63119
314 961 7166
www.cruisinbar.com
www.myspace.com/cruisin66

Bands who have a great attitude, performance and draw will be brought back on a 6-8 week basis.
 
We ask that ALL members of your band are over 18, preferably over 21. Your IDs get checked at the bar, if you lie you will not play and will be asked to leave, no exceptions.

If you are under 21 and are drinking (or over and fueling minor that may be in your band), you will be asked to leave and will not play. No exceptions.

"Rockstar" attitudes are not respected or appreciated.

Be friendly and respectful to our staff and we will do the same.

Tip your bartender and encourage your friends to follow suit.


****IF YOUR BAND HAS NOT PLAYED THIS VENUE RECENTLY PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SO THAT WE MAY EASILY REFERENCE AND CONTACT YOU REGARDING SHOWS****

Band Name

Contact Name

Location

Ages of the members of your band

Email

Phone

Link to myspace or website where there are .mp3 files

One line description of your band

Genre of Music

Do you have at least 45 minutes of original material?

Availability. ie: days of the week you are or are not able to play

2 or 3 specific dates you are interested in

How do you promote your shows?

How many paying fans will you most likely bring?

We know what a busy weekend is like, so if you're in the hospitality industry come out on Monday nights and relax all night with $$ U CALL ITS from 8pm - 1am. 

We still offer $$ U CALL ITS from 8pm - 10pm for everyone, but if you have valid proof of employment in the HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, you'll recieve this special all night long! 

Cruisin' Rte 66
7895 Watson Rd
St. Louis, MO  63119
314 961 7166

Don't forget about our great food!  Kitchen is open until MIDNIGHT!
Carry out and Delivery available (please call for delivery area)

So, we decided you need a break! 

Cruisin' Rte 66 already has cheap food and drink prices (including $$ U CALL ITS from 8pm - 10pm Mon - Thurs), but we thought you could use a bigger reward for all your hard work...

We now have FREE WI FI.  So, bring your laptop and enjoy one of our famous 1/2 lb burgers, or tasty kabobs while finishing up your homework. 

Then, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8pm - 1am take advantage of 10% off your tab!!   Your parents will be proud that you're saving money AND keeping yourself well fed and um.. hydrated...                                                        *Valid College ID Required                                                           

Cruisin' Rte 66
7895 Watson Rd
St. Louis, MO  63119

314 961 7166

We also offer carry-out lunch and dinner and delivery (call for details on area)

Hosted By: Cruisin RTE 66
When: Saturday Mar 01, 2008
at 12:00 PM
Where: Cruisin' Rte 66
7895 Watson Rd
St. Louis, Missouri|26 63119
United States
Description:
Cruisin RTE 66

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