St. Petersburg's Central Avenue has a new hangout.
The Local 662,
sitting squarely between
Daddy Kool Records and
Central Deli in downtown St. Petersburg, is a new hangout for
those with eclectic musical tastes and an appreciation for cutting-edge
acts. The new digs offer everything from surf rock to rockabilly, reggae
to soul, with a mix of everything in between.
Owners
Mark Assiff and Tony Rifugiato are hoping to bring a new kind of
nightlife to the 'Burg.
"We want to give
artists and musicians a home base," says Assiff. "We're trying to
provide a pro-music atmosphere where artists and their fans are set up
properly."
Assiff and Rifugiato bring more than
15 years' experience to their new enterprise. Assiff is managing
partner of the
State Theater with
Rifigiato, who also owns music promotions company
No
Clubs Productions, along with The Orpheum in Ybor City, and Daddy
Kool Records next door. The two hope their pooled resources result in
powerhouse musical experiences for St. Pete music lovers. "Between the
State Theater, No Clubs and Daddy Kool Records, we have a lot of
connections that we're trying to bring to the local scene," says Assiff.
He points out that having the State Theater
across the street provides Local 662 guests a unique opportunity. "If
you show up here after a show at the State, you'll hear more great music
with no cover. And who knows? Band members may come across the street
to relax and jam with other musicians. You may get more than your
money's worth on any given night."
In addition
to hosting national acts, the space features a mix of original
sculpture, painting and photography along the walls of the bar and
lounge area. Assiff says he plans to curate seasonal collections and
host art shows there in the future.
Writer:
Missy Kavanaugh
Source:
Mark Assiff, The Local 662
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