Photograph by Thomas Crone
Over the past few weeks, The Shanti’s closure has seemed more real with each visit. Packed from floor to ceiling with trinkets and tchotchkes, the venue’s slowly seen the walls sold off, with posters, flyers, flags, beer signage and original artworks all coming down under the auspices of proprietor Teresa Parker. Now, only a few show dates remain, just enough to allow visitors one last chance at seeing a venue that dedicated itself to being a seven days a week live music venue for some 14 years.
We reported back in the spring that the longstanding club would shut its doors, the announcement coming just before this year’s Mardi Gras. For sure, the revelers at the space were a bit bittersweet about it all, though the eventual close was still months in the future. Well, November’s finally come around, and the certainty of the move is coming into focus for those who’ve enjoyed the vibes, the patio, the dog-friendliness, the Grateful Dead-bent of the decor and, yes, the smoking. It’s true: one less St. Louis City venue will be allowing the burning of sticks at the end of this week.
On Monday night, those were certainly being burned as a four-person birthday party was being thrown, the entirety of the bar getting gussied up for the event. A table of food was set up, and it didn’t take long for the guests (and simply those who were hanging around) to start nibbling at vegetable trays. As usual, there was a minor scrap between two dogs, though it consisted of only a couple barks and a nip or two.
The bar’s offerings and glassware gave away a hint that these were especially strange days. The backbar was limited, with a few bottles obviously selling out and not being replaced. A couple of plastic cups sat atop tap handles, suggesting the same for a few beers. The drafts were served from a wide variety of sizes and styles, as glasses have departed from the room over the past weeks.
A few more will likely disappear between now and Saturday, when the venue will offer its final last call. On tap for the week, musically: Thunder Biscuit Orchestra on Wednesday, November 26; Vitamen A on Thursday, November 27; Mom’s Kitchen on Friday, November 28; and this Saturday, Pik’n Lik’n will play from 2 to 7 p.m., followed by The Schwag.
Music’s always been at the core of the place.
“This place is more than a business and bar,” Parker told us last spring. “The Shanti name… well, so many people have come through here, so many musicians. To sell the name, I just can’t do it. It’s personal. Right now, I don’t know what the future holds. The thing that worries me the most is wondering where the bands will go. We only hold 50 people, but we do get awesome bands, national bands, even on nights for the open mic; our Tuesdays are awesome here.”
Tomorrow, we’ll check in with a host of folks who’ve contributed music to The Shanti’s 14-year history, grabbing quotes from a wide variety of players. Check back.
The Shanti, 825 Allen, 314-241-4772, soulardshanti.com.
