Photos and review by Jayne Drooger

As always Ronnie Dee’s energy just explodes on the stage and Friday night was no exception! The long-anticipated opening of The Floridian Social Club (The Old State Theatre) on Central Ave. in St. Pete happened last month. The historic theater has been turned into a Roaring ′20s-style cocktail lounge, concert hall and special events venue worthy of Gatsby! Ronnie Dee and his band really brought down the house and had almost half the audience on the dance floor. During the band’s break there are two beautiful aerialists swinging from the ceiling on hoops and fabric. It’s a total experience for the senses. It is closed Mondays and open 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. with live music Tuesdays through Sundays. There is currently no cover, and concerts are free, though capacity is limited. I plan to return on a regular basis.