The Story...
ST. MICHAEL, MINN., -- December 17, 2015 -- An innovative use of a dark movie theater at The St. Michael Cinema megaplex in St. Michael, Minnesota, has become the area's latest live music venue, thanks to some ingenious thinking on the part of the new owners. Le Musique Room at the St. Michael Cinema (French for The Music Room) -- was originally built as one of the 15 theaters inside the 96,000 sq. foot movie house that now features 13 state-of-the-art movie screens. The new showcase destination is built into theater 15 of the megaplex located at 4300 O'Day Avenue NE, St. Michael, Minnesota.
Music fans can expect incredible sound, lighting and video accouterments in the 199-seat theater and concert space, complete with Parisian design elements that highlight the entire complex.
Intimate Seating with Stadium-Quality Sound and Video Production
According to Greg Armstrong and Tom Pickard who are partners in the venture, Le Musique Room plans to have varied appeal: "We will be offering a broad menu including original music, singer-songwriters, classic country, jazz, classic rock, new country, tribute acts, themed shows, big band music, and more," says Armstrong, who is a seasoned musician and promoter. "We will also feature both regional and national touring acts, all booked by the venues talent buyer Eric Roberts at Hello! Booking."
"Greg and I have discovered a niche of people that still enjoy live music, but no longer enjoy going to small bars to see it," adds Pickard, who has 30 years experience as a live music engineer, and who got the idea for the room after driving by the defunct megaplex built in 2006, which closed at the height of the market crash in 2008. The facility was later purchased in 2015 and renovated by Loren Williams CEO of Cinemesota, who put $1M into refurbishing the theaters with state-of-the-art screens, sound and comfortable chairs in all the theaters.
Full Service Bar and VIP Areas Available
On the 2nd floor of the venue, they have a large bar called Le Bar and VIP areas available for private parties or entertaining. During show hours, there is a satellite bar located directly outside Le Musique Room.
“I saw a gem in the location, and the beautiful building that houses the theater. It's perfectly suited for our purposes. It's the venue of I've always dreamed about operating," Pickard explains. "The room will give patrons the highest quality sound and video experience ONLY seen at major stadium shows but in an intimate setting."
