Venue of the Month- Tony P’s
by Ryan Edwards
I’ve come to the realization that there is always enough room for another good music venue, despite the crowded live music scene in the downtown Denver area. Within the last few months I believe I have found an awesome establishment that has already set itself apart. Tony P’s is located on 17th in the up-and-coming uptown neighborhood.
What once was JR’s has been completely renovated and turned into something significantly different. A bar that is fresh and vibrant with an atmosphere that is needed not only in that area, but anywhere in Colorado for that matter. On a random couple of nights after driving by Tony P’s multiple times over the last few months, I decided to check out the music scene that this new bar has to offer. Rod Buckner plays with many other patrons in a jazz band and has been trying to promote the venue the last few months. Night-in and night-out Buckner’s group Buckner Funkenjazz has been representing the music scene and therefore, I felt obligated to talk to him about his thoughts on the audience, the stage, the drink specials, the staff and his thoughts on this newly established hotspot.
While I was sitting there listening to Buckner’s band jam, I was able to look around and observe a very happy, energetic crowd filling the booths around me. Buckner happens to agree about what I saw. “The crowd is very eclectic and the vibe has a very urban feel; with the décor of Tony P’s I feel that the general consensus is a very enjoyable and happening place to be,” he says. Along with décor that gives Tony P’s its character, is the stage that’s present. While most stages sit higher than the surrounding bar, Tony P’s does not, which gives off a personal vibe. “The stage at Tony P’s is functional and we enjoy playing there because it is an intimate setting and we can really work with the audience and get to know them on a personal basis; by talking to them and cracking fun at each other while we are playing.”
Also while I was sitting there I had a chance to speak to the staff and got a laid-back and personal first impression from them. After speaking with Buckner, I found out that Tony P’s takes care of their musicians as far as drink and food specials go and are appreciative of the music culture that they are trying to bring to Tony P’s. As I left Tony P’s, I felt like I found a new favorite music venue to go to and now feel compelled to let the world know about this new Denver scene. As for Buckner’s final thoughts on the venue, “The buzz will happen for Tony P’s and I believe Tony P’s will grow into a great place for funk, blues and jazz to flourish.”
…I believe it will too.
Category: Buzzworthy
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
 |
 |
