Jimbo's dream comes true
If you are in a working band in or around Charleston, then chances are you know Jimbo Webb.
Between 1993 and 2007, the Charleston native and Citadel graduate was a fixture at the Music Farm. After being hired as a bouncer, Webb worked his way up to general manager at the legendary local music venue. When new owners took over operations at the Farm in 2007, Webb struck out on his own.
Webb always dreamed of running his own place, and earlier this month that dream became reality as Jimbo's Rock Lounge opened for business in West Ashley in the space formerly occupied by JV Pivot's on Savannah Highway.
"The concept of the Rock Lounge has really developed over the course of the last 17 years of my experience going to bars both here and out of town and picking things that I personally liked about those businesses." says Webb. "The Rock Lounge is the kind of place that I would want to hang out in if I was going out to listen to live music. I like to be comfortable; I like a little nicer atmosphere."
Jimbo's Rock Lounge is definitely built with patron's comfort in mind, with two bars, a spacious floor area in front of a floor-level stage and a lounge area with leather sofas. There is a clear line of site from just about any part of the venue to the stage, and the sound is surprisingly good for a venue with such a low ceiling. Think of the late, great Map Room as a reference.
"I'm very happy with the concept and how the place has turned out so far," says Webb. "My biggest challenge in getting the Rock Lounge launched was finding a space that matched my vision of a live music venue and a lounge."
Webb says "so far" because he isn't done yet. Regulars at Jimbo's Rock Lounge will notice additions in the coming months.
"We have a local artist, Julio Cotto, who is going to be doing some mural work for us. We're going to try to install some additional lighting in here, maybe some wrought-iron chandeliers, some artwork on the windows, some more P.A. in the place.
"We want the look to be very specific to our concept. Gil Shuler designed a great logo for the Rock Lounge, and Julio Cotto is right in line for the look we want."
So how has the reaction from local musicians and music lovers been so far? "Everyone has been wonderful. Everyone who comes in is really impressed, and the staff that we have, which I handpicked, is excellent."
Webb says that he has been especially amazed at the support from local musicians.
"I have been really humbled by the support from both established bands and newer bands that have contacted me wanting to play the Rock Lounge. I think the local music scene right now lacks direction. I think there are a lot of reasons for that, but I created this place because I want musicians and people who like live music to come here and hang out. I hoping that with my help, and with Amy Hutto, who also works here and has the Charleston Buzz, I'm hoping that the two of us with be able to help things get a little more direction and contribute to the local scene."
On a recent night with Torture Town tearing it up from the Rock Lounge's stage, the place was full of people having drinks, listening to the band, and relaxing with one another in the lounge area.
That's just how Webb wants it.
"We're not a sports bar, there aren't going to be TVs in here showing the Super Bowl. We're going to be dedicated to a clublike, sort of laid-back lounge atmosphere. That's what I really want to get across to people. We're targeting a 21- to 40-yea-old market that wants something a little nicer. There are a number of wonderful places over here in West Ashley. I'm a big fan of Voodoo, the Tin Roof is a great place to catch a show and we have a great relationship with D.D. Peckers' right across the parking lot.
"I want people to be able to come out and not worry about paying to park. I want people to be comfortable."
Jimbo's Rock Lounge
Address: 1622 Savannah Highway (located behind D.D. Pecker's).
Phone: 225-2200.
Hours: 7 p.m.-2 a.m., Thursday through Sunday.
Web site: www.myspace.com/jimbosrocklounge.
