Hosted By: Broad Street Blues
When: Friday May 16, 2008
at 9:00 PM
Where: BROAD ST. BLUES CLUB
913 BROAD ST.
PHENIX CITY, AL 36867
United States
Description:
Broad Street Blues

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Cool blues: Party to the tune of fun

BY SONYA SORICH - ssorich@ledger-enquirer.com --

The initial reaction -- "There's something like this in Phenix City?" -- is understandable.

Because Broad Street Blues, located on the corner of Broad Street and Dillingham, boasts a unique role as both a contemporary hot spot and a welcome throwback to musical traditions of the past.

The club's smoke-free interior is anchored by art, antiques, guitars and music memorabilia.

The wall decorations, paired with plasma screen TVs showcasing blues artists in concert, keep partiers' eyes busy. Especially with the live entertainment on stage.

House band Peggy Jenkins and the Rhythm Roosters is a departure from nightlife's traditional DJ-spun tracks and rock vocals. Lead vocalist Jenkins offers booming vocals that are reminiscent of artists like Etta James and Koko Taylor.

The club has also attracted the attention of artists outside the local scene, regularly hosting performances by Mojo:Saint -- an act fronted by legendary singer, songwriter and producer Billy Earl McClelland.

Big name players have been known to sit in with the house band, and more national acts might appear at Broad Street Blues in the future, according to owner Roy Zito.

Need more incentive to party at the Phenix City hot spot? Simply turn to the club's motto -- "the thrill is here."

BROAD STREET BLUES

913 Broad St., 334-297-3200

Cover: $5

Dress: It's casual, but you won't be out of place if you're dressed up. Basic dress code rules apply.

Drinks: Bartenders pride themselves on the club's four types of Yuengling beer. The many cocktail specials include premium liquor drinks for $6.75.

Music: In addition to the outside acts that regularly visit the club, you can look forward to performances by house band Peggy Jenkins and the Rhythm Roosters. Jenkins' versions of "Stand by Me" and "At Last" are especially stellar.

Crowd: Expect a diverse crowd that spans all ages.

Of note: The club recently carved out a Wednesday night niche that includes no cover, a performance by The Frank Johnson Trio and $1.85 domestic longnecks all night.

Broad Street Blues Thrills
by Wes Carroll

The blues are alive and well in the area. Phenix City to be exact. For years, area bar and club owners have planned ways to open a true blues club locally, and some have even tried. None have been successful, until now.
Roy Zito, owner of Zito Gallery in Phenix City, decided that it was time to open his own blues club. He packed up his gallery full of art, antiques and collectibles and moved them into his new location at the corner of Broad Street and Dillingham near the Phenix City Amphitheater. He renovated the old Phenix Grill into a showplace.
Posters and lithographs of blues legends line the walls and are complimented by guitars and paintings from various artists that once graced the walls of Zito's gallery. Plasma TV's hang above the 20-foot heart pine bar and stage with sporting events and footage of classic blues shows airing when live bands aren't performing.
The house band MOJO:SAINT is  made up of Zito who plays the harmonica and Hammond organ, ,legandary guitar player singer/songwriter Billy Earl McClelland , veteran drummer and singer David Brazeal and bassist Jack Hall from Wet Willie fame !!  Billy Earl and Jack are in the Ala. and Ga. hall of fame and have a dozen gold records between them !!. An hour later, I sat at my table stunned. I couldn't believe that I was in a club in Phenix City, AL seeing this caliber show. 
The bands are only half the reason to check out Broad Street Blues. The other reason is the food. Roy wanted to offer true Southern "soul" food to his customers for lunch and dinner. His Top Hat Chicken (which he calls Top That Chicken) is as good as any chicken you'll taste around town.
When you stop by, remember a few things. First of all, expect a great time. Next, come dressed comfortably but expect the club to enforce a dress code designed only to ensure that pants are at the waist and hats are facing forward. Also, don't be surprised by Roy's no smoking policy. There are areas outside the club for smokers, but Zito wants the club itself to be smoke-free. He said that most of the feedback on this has been positive. He doesn't have anything against smoking or smokers (most of his band smokes) but he wanted an environment where non-smokers could enjoy good food, good music, and some drinks without the smoke. Don't be modest, Roy. The music and the food are great.