Kalee Ball
It’s a Wednesday night in the heart of Riverside. You’re looking for something to do, but don’t want to go to a bar. You want to experience something new. Where do you go? Head to +SoLo at 1037 Park Street, where you can enjoy a mind-bending set for as little as $10, with all of the proceeds going back to the musicians.
+SoLo is the space between the bustling sausage-eating joint of Hoptinger Five Points and the breezy bar upstairs. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the space opens to a few people who are ready to hear something new, exciting, and different.
Until January 22, 2018, a series of experimental musicians are being showcased. Jamison Williams, the promoter, gives each musician a two-hour set with an intermission. From there, they are allowed the freedom to perform whatever they want. “I trust you,” he tells them. He doesn’t even let them tell him what they’re going to do. He would rather be surprised alongside the audience.
It’s a minimalistic space. There are high ceilings, an exposed brick wall and a few strings of lights. There isn’t a stage or sound guy, just a few outlets to plug into along the dark wood floors. There are six chairs and one stool for the door man. It’s an intimate space. It brings up close and personal to a whole new level. “It’s an island of misfit toys,” Williams says. It’s no secret that the audience for experimental music is small. It’s a niche genre. There are usually no more than ten people attending, but that doesn’t make the performance any less worthwhile.
Sometimes the musicians bring an entire ensemble, and sometimes it’s a stripped-down acoustic set. Styles range from deconstructed Disney songs with a soprano saxophone (Williams’ own work) to an improvised soundtrack of a silent documentary. He usually tells the musicians that the first set can be their comfortable familiar set, and the second can be their risk-taking one. But usually, both sets end up being completely new and exciting because the space is so inspiring for the musicians. Because the space is so small and intimate, it creates an atmosphere of trust that allows them to perform how they truly want to. It’s a safe space, more than anything, to truly experience something amazing.
He wants people to appreciate it while it lasts. He doesn’t want locals to take these touring artists for granted, because it may well be the last time they ever play in Jacksonville. “I am inspired every single show,” Williams says. “It polishes off the tarnish for a jaded old man.”
The ever active Steve Williams, no relation to Jamison, is the owner of the space. He’s loaning it to Jamison in order to add to the community while he looks for a permanent tenant, “hopefully one that will help build community and work collaboratively with Hoptinger and other businesses on the street to create a real sense of community and collaboration,” he says. He wants whoever takes over the lease at +SoLo to be focused on unifying the identity of Five Points. Steve Williams adds, “Hopefully we will find someone who will see the vision and take advantage of the opportunity.”
But until then, it’s up to locals to take advantage of the opportunity they have. To get to +SoLo, go up the Hoptinger stairs like you’re heading up to the roof. About halfway up, there will be a door with a schedule next to it. That’s +SoLo. Join the club. Shows are scheduled until January 22, 2018. See all events listed on Facebook, @sologalleryjax.
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