Thanks John for checking in. So what’s your background with Ragtime?
The first time I truly remember going into Ragtime was in, I believe, 1986. We were living in Atlantic Beach and were doing laundry where Coop 303 is now located. After we put the laundry in the wash, we went to this tiny bar on the corner called Ragtime. When it came time to switch to the dryer, we asked the bartender if we needed to close our tab. He replied: no, and the dryer cycle takes even longer! I was sold on Ragtime from that moment.
Three years later, BayStreet Blues Club played the first of 400 some nights there in what was then the Tapas Room (this was before the microbrewery was built). Mostly, Ragtime had featured jazz bands, but they included us and blues fit in nicely. Over the years, both the venue and our band transformed into a much more Rock format.
Wanna share a fun memory, or two?
For over a quarter century, BayStreet played Florida/Georgia weekend in Ragtime. We made so many friends! People would come back year after year and give us big hugs and high-fives. I always especially enjoyed Friday night, because the game hadn’t been yet played, no one had lost, and everyone was in a great mood. Often, the Saturday night would be Halloween costumes, and that was really fun, too. (We’ll be looking for a venue to play this coming fall!)
A memory I cherish was the years when we had another bass player, and I was free to roam around singing lead vocals. Often during Sympathy for the Devil, I would climb up on the bar and JC Snodgrass would pour grain alcohol on the bar at my feet and light it on fire! This never failed to get a huge reaction from the crowd, and surprisingly my pants never caught on fire.
So how do you see the closing? A bygone era of ‘Cheers’ or a new beginning?
I see it as the end of an era. It was a place where locals and travelers all had a really good time. I made a lot of good friends there and have many special times to remember. Red Brick was my go-to beer. One night, I looked up and Bruce Hornsby was standing at the bar, smiling at me. Other times, it was just watching the mini-dramas play out in front of the band or running into an old friend after many years and catching up. Many of the bartenders have gone on to other successful careers, and we have remained friends and a good number of them have become clients of my law firm, Rock Solid Law & Title.
What other bands did you particularly enjoy at Ragtime?
I am sure that I will leave somebody out! In the early years, I really enjoyed Pretty Boy Freud. Ed Cotton is always great. I loved their version of Superman by REM. For a while, it seemed like us, them and Slipped Mickey were playing in there all the time! I always liked to hear Mike Hart’s band. And later, Cloud 9 and Sidewalk 65 were other bands I enjoyed a lot in Ragtime. Back in the day Springing the Blues artists would come in and play, too! So many great nights there!!
What is the best message you want to send to the community?
Many of us celebrated milestones at Ragtime. It will live fondly in our memory. Obviously, having started the band in 1987, we have played many places that have closed down. I certainly can’t think of any that will hold a special place in my heart and mind as Ragtime does. I’m grateful to the Mortons for building it, and for all of the wonderful people who worked there for keeping it going for such a very long time.
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
