Save the Charlack Pub!

Team fundraiser

Sam Koltun and Cat Mues are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Robin Smith.

Donation protected

The Charlack Pub “Where Music Matters” in St. Louis, MO is in danger of closing its doors. Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic and newly issued St. Louis County lockdowns, the Pub will not be able to survive a second shut down over the next few months if we don’t do something to help.

John & Judy have done countless fundraisers over the years to help Charlackians in need. Whether it be raising funds to help a family who lost a loved one, or helping with medical bills or those that had just fallen on hard times. We now need to take care of Judy & Robin.

We, and hundreds- possibly even thousands- more Charlackians humbly ask for you to donate what you can afford to keep Judy, Robin, & our Home afloat. Any little bit will help. Times are tough for everyone, only donate what you can afford.

ABOUT THE CHARLACK PUB:
Charlack Pub is an incredibly special venue for music. It’s the Whisky a Go Go, Viper Room, CBGB, or Baked Potato of the St. Louis area. Notoriously known for being THE place where the best musicians in town play, and home away from home to national acts and “out-of-towner” bands.

John and Judy opened the Bar on August 1st, 2000. Since John’s passing in 2014, Judy has been manning the ship ever since along her daughter Robin.

Charlack Pub just celebrated their 20 year anniversary. A small, grungey, dark, smokey dive bar located at the end of a strip mall at the corner of St. Charles Rock Road & Lackland Road. Literally located in the small city of Charlack, MO. For 20 years this bar has been home for Musicians, Music Lovers, Bikers, Pool Players, Beer Drinkers, Hell Raisers, and people of all walks of life.

SAM BAM KOLTUN:
As for myself, for those that do not know- I grew up playing at the Pub. I started playing Bars at the tender age of 12... but started going to Charlack when I was 15 years old. I am incredibly lucky that Charlack John and Judy were so supportive of me and allowed a 15 year old kid (with his parents) to come in and play their biker bar. John and Judy both took me under their wing, and I owe so much to them for nurturing me into the player I am now. Playing at the Pub 4-5 nights a week was completely vital to my musical upbringing. I would NOT be where I am today in my professional career as a full-time guitar player if it wasn’t for the Charlack Pub.

Charlack is and has always been a haven for the BEST music in St. Louis. The way the room is designed and the way the stage is set up makes Charlack Pub a truly great club focused on the MUSIC. I’m only 25 years old, but I’ve played a lot of clubs. I play the Whisky in Los Angeles on a weekly basis at times... Charlack Pub is St. Louis’ own version of the Whisky. From the Legendary jam sessions held every Wednesday and Thursday- sometimes even Tuesday too- with countless top notch local players, to the Friday and Saturday nights filled with hundreds of bands throughout the 20 year History. Rock N' Roll, Blues, Funk, Metal, Fusion, and beyond.

For me, I have 10 years worth of memories and stories... and others have 20 years worth. I love this bar. It’s my home away from home. I love the people... and I 100% would not be who I am today without it.

WE “THE CHARLACKIAN’S” WILL NOT LET THE PUB LOSE THIS FIGHT!

MARK CROWELL:
Every town needs a pub like Judy's. I've played all over the country like a lot of people and looked for their "Pub" only to find out that there isn't one, and have always felt sorry for those peeps. And That!, is why we will never let the Charlack Pub close (for good). Thanks Judy for letting me make noise and make friends and make money for a bunch of years. Love ya,
Mark Crowell

TONY INGRACIA (A.L.I.):
OK a friend of mine and yours needs help. I’ve been playing at Charlack Pub along side Sam and Mark for over a decade and we’d love nothing more than to keep this bar going. John took a chance on me to entertain in his bar along with Sam so now it’s time to help keep this bar around and I know this will help because shutting down small businesses is not the way to go.

So please whatever you can do to help... P. S. This is like family to me, so we need to help this family out so we have a place to come- where the music matters.

MIKE THE WOP:
What can I say about Judy (and Robin) and definitely don’t forget John!!! They are like family to me and were always there for me, keeping me steadily employed at the bar along with constantly hooking me up with other musicians to work with ... And that’s just ME ... they’ve helped MANY musicians similarly and provided FREE live entertainment to the community for 20 years!!!

So now, and I won’t get into the political aspects of this situation they have put Judy in (I think a lot of you know) it has come to the point in all of our lives where Judy needs OUR help!!! I can’t thank Sam enough for putting this together ( because I wouldn’t know where to start)

So I’m not saying empty your savings accounts, but Judy needs us now and she’s been there for US for 20 years, so let’s give whatever we can so she can survive!! Love you Judy!!!!