Hello!
I am a US ARMY Veteran
I am raising funds for my version of a reggae bar. I say "version because I will incorporate not only reggae music we all know from the islands but the new form of the genre called reggae-rock and other forms created around the world! You can go around the world now and hear this sound integrated by the artists that have become a part of spreading good positive vibes into communities everywhere!
If you have ever been to Saint Petersburg, FL, you would have noticed the many events we have, especially when it comes to live music.
We have a great area by the water that makes the best backdrop for blues festivals, rock, and even philharmonic band events! Reggae is also one of the events and has become one of the largest venues in the US for reggae rock, a new form of reggae music. It was on its way to being even larger this year before the pandemic.
Have you ever been to a reggae show? Think about it. Everyone is having a great time. No one is angry. Almost all the music is about peace, love, and ( esp with reggae/rock) having a great time! These are the vibes we need to infuse into our community as soon as possible. I will do this, with YOUR help and donations!
My name is Fitzroy. As a Caribbean child (Trinidad &Tobago!!!), I love to cook and love my reggae music. I have found that my area also has a love for music as well, which is awesome to me. This is what I would love to share with my community.
I want to take the funds from this fundraiser to create an Island style bar and grill in the Downtown Saint Petersburg area that focuses on all the subgenres of reggae music that it loves. This would include old and new reggae music (mostly live with our many favorite local bands!).
Reggae music is probably the best music genre I know that has a great vibe to it and is shared across races. Whether you listen to reggae rock, conscious, or love ballads (yes, it does have some harder forms of course), listening to live reggae makes people come together! I believe this can be a gateway to open even more conversation on how we come together as a community.
I also see that there are not many places to get real Caribbean food- let alone while hanging out downtown- so this is what I also have to offer to the wonderful community! I have been cooking island-style food since I was a kid and love to share it....just ask my coworkers and friends I have entertained over the years! After completing college and working in healthcare for the last 20 years, I have made quite a following for my cooking! I have also been fortunate enough to have a friend/bar owner in the area that allowed me to create "Caribbean Sundays" at his bar for a while. ( Yes, most Trinidadian people love to entertain; I guess it's in the blood!)
The funds I receive from this will go towards any licensing needed, but majorly to build the bar. Reggae is great and it can really give you a sense of peace when listening to it. Live music especially, and this is what you come to the various events it has in the area. Building the stage is paramount to my vision and is included in the overall cost of the project. Talking to a few builder friends of mine- again, I have had this dream for some time and make friends easily!- The overall cost will be around $250k.
Here is what I plan for this space:
-Live reggae music using the talented bands we have in Central Florida
- 2 STAGES! (One outside, with a smaller one inside for rainy days, and smaller events)
- A kitchen capable of creating great Trini-style meals, along with a grill-jerk chicken is better from the grill)
-Island-style food I grew up cooking and have made for years (Bar style & some Sunday-style dinners)
-Major use of the outdoor space (COVID-friendly!) As most good island parties need that room!
-For the footballers/serious sports enthusiasts, a dedicated space for watching games
I can start the work as soon as I meet the basic financial goals! I believe once we come out of this Corona-coma, we will want to find someplace for relaxation and just share in good vibes. Did I mention there is a ton of outdoor space for me to use?
To receive support for this endeavor of mine would mean the world to me. Since I got out of the US ARMY, I have dreamed of having something like this. Everyone here can agree life moves on, and other realities push themselves forward, so it took me a while to get back here. I love that so many people here are curious about other cultures and ask me questions when I am out and about town (having locs that are down to my calves has been a great conversation starter it appears). Living in Saint Petersburg has again raised this spark with so many wonderful people and I feel it is the best way to share my appreciation for what has been made here!
