Columbia City’s Royal Esquire Club advertises itself as a location that has hosted events for the business elite since 1948. However, directly next store a new club is moving in and offers a completely different atmosphere. The scene will be laid back and an inviting space for music lovers and those wanting to catch a live performance.

The Royal Room is a new music venue that opened this past Friday. It is the brain child of Wayne Horvitz, the head of the jazz-rock band Zony Mash. Horvitz first visualized his dream of turning the space into a neighborhood club a few years back. He said it was unusual for music venues anymore to develop their style around the space rather than the actual performances. He wants to create more of a jam session vibe where any style of band, not only jazz artists, can come and play for hours and also have their performances professionally recorded. The venue seats 99, and an organ, grand piano and drum set will be permanent fixtures in the space in order to promote an artist friendly and creative environment. 

Thursday through Sunday will require no covers and are exclusively available for local bands. On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings Horvitz hopes to attract nationally recognized groups that would otherwise have their schedules full during the latter part of the week. 

Although the space between the performing artists and the audience is pretty close and takes some getting used to, many are already raving about the venue. I can’t wait to check this place out for myself.