New music venue in St. Augustine creating ‘canvas’ for events

By Ashley Goodman | gargoyle@flagler.edu

When The Standard opens in November on Anastasia Boulevard, just over the Bridge of Lions, it will be more than just another St. Augustine music venue. Not only will it feature bands, but also art, comedy and even fashion shows.

“I think it’s more like a canvas for events,” said owner Dan Larson, who has been dreaming up The Standard for a year now.

Larson had been the marketing and promotions manager at the St. Augustine Amphitheater before launching this new venture. While working there for four years, Larson booked acts such as The Decemberists, Broken Social Scene, Mister Heavenly, River City Extension and helped co-promote the “Where’s The Band Tour” and Tycho at Cafe 11.

His plan is to make the new venue adaptable to the audience. “You can get married there, then go see Washed Out,” said Larson. “We want to be a taste maker, but also bring the people what they want.”

So far, confirmed acts are Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, which will make an appearance on Dec. 7, as will Treasure Fingers on Dec. 21.

The Standard, 200 Anastasia Blvd., the space that used to be the Two Hundred Lounge, will be open Nov. 1 for a sneak preview.

“We’ll just have it open in the day or something, serve some hors d’oeuvres and show people the space,” said Larson. The soft opening is Nov. 2 and will feature Hundred Waters and Le Blorr. Hundred Waters is the first non-EDM band signed to Skrillex’s record label. After the first show, The Standard will go on a brief hiatus to finish some last minute construction before a full opening.