Pearl Street Warehouse, a new music venue at the District Wharf, opened Oct. 11 with a stirring performance by the legendary Booker T. Jones, who backed numerous soul legends including Otis Redding and recorded instrumental hits like “Time is Tight” and “Green Onions.” The private soft opening will be followed a public concert on Oct. 12.
The stirring church organ sound that Jones perfected half a century ago was a ideal soundtrack for the baptism of a new club. ed by his son Teddy on guitar, the sets included hits by Booker T. and The MGs, as well as “Born Under a Bad Sign,” which Jones co-wrote for Albert King.
Pearl Street Warehouse has a New Orleans vibe, with corrugated metal walls adorned by faded ments. The sound and lighting are state-of-the-art. Every seat in the club, from the bar to a small balcony, offers a closeup experience.
Pearl Street plans to focus on all kinds of American roots music, from blues to bluegrass and everything in between. Lisa White, who formerly booked the 9:30 Club, will be picking the talent.
Opening weekend at Pearl Street continues Friday with Amy Helm, who has Americana music in her blood (Her dad Levon was the drummer for The Band.) Town Mountain, an Asheville, NC, group that mixes bluegrass and old time country, plays the room on Saturday.
