Bar/Restaurant/Music Venue The Wedge Set to Open in Early October

The Wedge -- which is opening in the space formerly known as Windy's On the Wedge at Virginia and Bates (442 Bates, in particular) -- is the latest addition to the ever-burgeoning local venue scene.

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According to a press release in my inbox, the folks behind the new Wedge are Luke Reynolds and Sam Berger (who are associated with Molly's in Soulard); consulting chef Blake Brokaw (a veteran owner/operator of clubs/restaurants, including Tangerine). Besides food and tasty alcoholic drinks, the venue also plans on having live music in a venue known as the Iggy Ziggy room. (Cue my glam swoon.)

Without argument, the biggest change greeting those who've been to the space is the thorough renovation of The Wedge's interior. A second-floor apartment's been gutted, creating room for an exciting second-floor space suitable for bands, films and small-scale theatre and improv. The first floor, meanwhile, has been given a total rehab, as well, with a thorough modernization of the space, while still maintaining a distinctly corner bar feel – in fact, about every window in the place looks out at that busy intersection of Bates and Virginia.

Just as the Iron Barley has included live music both inside and on its patio, The Wedge will feature music in a variety of forms, as well. Every night of the week on the main floor will feature music over the state of the art sound system, with each night devoted to a particular style of music such as punk, rock-a-billy, honky-tonk country, vintage rock, indie rock, metal, hardcore, industrial, garage and surf. Plans also call for other types of artistic ventures in the second floor space, called The Iggy Ziggy Room. The performance space, which might be evocative to some veteran club goers of the old Hi-Pointe, will include the best live local music, DJs, open-mic nights, comedy, burlesque and karaoke.

The MySpace link is here. Go add 'em!

-- Annie Zaleski