If you’re looking for options for entertainment in the West Volusia area, something new is coming.
Blackburn Ballroom in Northwest Square, the redeveloped historic church that opened recently at 238 N. Clara Ave. in DeLand, will host its first listening-room-style musical show on Sunday, March 2.
If you’ve ever found yourself at a venue especially to listen to a band you love, and the chatter of the crowd drowned out the music, this might be for you.
In a listening room, there is no alcohol or food service to distract from the music. At Northwest Square’s listening room, patrons will be able to purchase food or drink nearby, but they will be asked to consume them before (or after) the show, and not in Blackburn Ballroom.
The promotional poster for this event invites you to “Enjoy exceptional acoustics and up-close performances in a vibrant setting.”
“It’s just such a beautiful room,” said Celia Williams, a member of the trio that will be featured in the March 2 event.
Blackburn Ballroom was formerly the sanctuary of Trinity United Methodist Church. The historic stained-glass windows are still intact, and wood elements, including the floor, have been preserved.
The music of Bob Levings and Primitive Road will debut at the March 2 show. This is a trio composed of guitarist, singer and songwriter Bob Levings, with Celia Williams offering vocals, along with keyboard, accordion and saxophone, and Charlie McCown playing bass and also singing.
Levings’ original country/Americana style songs comprise most of the trio’s repertoire. They play select covers, as well; for example, the Kris Kristofferson/Fred Foster classic “Me and Bobby McGee.”
Levings’ original tunes rely very much on the storytelling elements of songwriting. His composition “Soaking in the HotTub Blues” is a good example. Levings sings about a personal experience and offers a thoughtful and humorous perspective on life.
This listening-room event in the Blackburn Ballroom at Northwest Square will be a test of a concept; if it succeeds, listening-room concerts may become a staple on the menu of live-music options in West Volusia.
“We would love to make this a regular part of our event calendar,” said Theresa Stabler, who manages events at Northwest Square.
The doors will open at 4:15 p.m. on March 2, and the show runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
While food and beverages are available on the premises, organizers encourage those attending to do their eating and drinking exclusively before or after the show in the on-site Food Hall, which is home to Chapel Tap, Centro Tea Co., Oliver and Gray Home, Bernard’s Market and restaurants Tropishack and La Pinsa.
“We believe the listening room will bring a unique cultural experience to the area, drawing in local residents and visitors,” Stabler said.
Admission to the March 2 event costs $10 per person, and tickets are available at www.event bright.com.
Artists interested in being booked for the listening room should email the venue at events@NorthwestSquare.com.
Editor’s note: The event manager has clarified that anyone can purchase food and beverages from the on-site vendors and consume the treats in the ballroom.
— Shepherd is a professional musician based in DeLand, who hosts free jazz concerts on Artisan Alley twice each month. Find out more at Jazz on the Alley, plus on Facebook.
