ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A sober music venue debuts in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District in St. Louis this weekend.
Aaron Perlut, a musician and businessman, is the founder of Garage at the Intersection. Perlut is also a recovered alcoholic and plans to enforce a no-alcohol policy at his new venue. The venue has formed a partnership with Four Hands Brewing, who will supply non-alcoholic brews for concerts.
Entry to each event necessitates a donation of any amount, with the donations being divided equally between the artists and the local nonprofit Hope Creates. The nonprofit utilizes music and the arts to support individuals fighting addiction to alcohol and drugs.
As the Hope Creates website puts it, creation is the opposite of self-destruction. The group says positive self-expression builds self-confidence and self-esteem.
“I go to music venues all the time,” Perlut told The Heartlander. “At every turn, you are always surrounded by alcohol. I thought it would be an interesting opportunity to create a venue in St. Louis that focuses on the art and the people enjoying it. It provides a safe place for anyone who wants to come and enjoy it. I’m not looking to make any money.”
Perlut says the Garage at the Intersection will be the first of its kind in the St. Louis area.
The monthly concert series at 3323 Washington Avenue is also made possible by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s donation of the space, which also features furniture contributions from various individuals.
Perlut says Garage at the Intersection will feature a cozy atmosphere similar to a house concert series. Indeed, the capacity is just 40 people.
“I’m just donating time and sweat equity. It’s been nice to see all of these people come together to play a role and help create this venue.”
Food will not be available at the venue, but attendees are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Perlut’s personal PA system will be used at Garage at the Intersection, and there is a drum kit available for use.
Perlut says he’s received an enthusiastic response from the public for the concept of Garage at the Intersection.
“I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback. It has been really terrific. I had someone who heard me on the radio call and tell me she has been in recovery for six years and how excited she was. That has generally been the response.”
Americana singer-songwriter Alex Huck will kick off this weekend’s first concert series from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. Mike Martin Media also will be on hand to record all performances.
For more information and announcements, visit Garage at the Intersection’s Facebook page.
