TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A grand re-opening has been scheduled for a historic blues club in Tallahassee following a wildly successful benefit concert over the weekend.
After a benefit concert at The Moon over the weekend, a grand re-opening of the Bradfordville Blues Club is scheduled for July 21.
Organizers say there were over 1,000 people in attendance, and while they are still receiving donations, they say the anticipated final tally looks like it will exceed $20,000.
They say owners Gary and Kim Anton are beyond amazed and are touched by the outpouring of generosity of the Tallahassee community.
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Preserving history is important to many in the Big Bend. A benefit concert at The Moon aims to do just that for the Bradfordville Blues Club.
"It's a very personal spot for my wife and I. But it's also kind of sacred ground. It's where you can go on any Friday or Saturday night, and see an amazing musical act," said Brett Wellman.
Wellman is a Stone Cold Blues Band member and an organizer of the benefit concert. He and his wife got married at the Bradfordville Blues Club a few months before it was damaged.
During Subtropical storm Alberto in May, a tree came crashing through the roof.
"250 year old oak tree damaged the place, such a historic site, so they kind of went out of business. And a bunch of local musicians wanted to open it back up," said Wellman.
That's why they're throwing a concert to raise the rest of the money needed to reopen it.
Wellman says, there's a lot of history in the Bradfordville Blues Club. It's designated a historical landmark by the Blues Society.
"The band that come in from all over the country and all over the world want to play there which is very heartwarming for us," said Gary Anton, Bradfordville Blues Club Owner. "It gives Tallahassee the opportunity to see world class Blues entertainment."
The club only sits 120 people, making it a unique, intimate place for musicians and the audience.
Saturday night's concert sold more than 700 tickets. Organizers say the goal is raise $10,000 but the turn-out was bigger and better than they expected.
"I would have never expected this type of turn-out and every since the tree fell on the club the community has been unbelievable," said Anton.
