Lexington, Ky. - When the mind turns to the idea of a jazz club, one would probably conjure up images a smokey, dimly lit room somewhere in the bowels of New York, or perhaps even the subterranean cafes of Paris.
While it may not transform the Bluegrass into a jazz mecca, TrusT, the jazz/nightclub Andy Shea and company plan to introduce to the Lexington scene, is designed to provide, at the very least, a new and viable upscale option for the pleasure-seeking public.
Shea, the club's owner who wears another cap as General Manager of The Lexington Legends, decided to turn the location at 123 Main Street (next door to destination restaurant Bellini's) into the city's newest nightspot after friend and colleague Kerry Glass (who will subsequently function as the venue's General Manager) recommended the property as a club-to-be.
A little over one year ago, Shea and Glass took their first peek at the aged space that will open in the spring as TrusT.
Despite the historical character of the building (the TrusT moniker is derived from the building's origins as a banking institution), Shea described his initial impressions of the place as a "disgusting mess" and realized that he would have to "replace everything."
Despite those looming eyesores and headaches, Shea said it was still easy for him to "visualize the potential of the space."
While plenty ambitious, Shea also is a prime example of the realist business owner who fully comprehends the inherent strains, obstacles and constant working-from-behind-schedule pitfalls of this type of investment.
"If any sort of remodeling project is finished early, you had better check your pulse," Shea says with a grin.
In dealing with mold and various demolition and structural facelift issues, he believes and understands that holding fast to schedules is significant - yet, not more essential than correctly completing the required tasks or "optimal conditioning" as Shea calls it.
When all is said and done, the historical and visually appealing structure of the building should prove to be one of its most enduring features and serve to supply the sort of atmospheric vibe that any club boasting Jazz music should inevitably possess.
"The building now looks a lot more like it did 80 years ago than it did 2 years ago," Shea proudly proclaims.
When open, the venue will seek to serve two audiences.
During the early evening hours, TrusT will function as a jazz style lounge catering mostly to the upscale clientele who aim to gather with friends/colleagues and partake in some cocktails while enjoying the snazzy ambience of Jazz music.
This crowd will likely represent an older demographic, while not adhering exclusively to it.
As the night progresses the entertainment will shift to DJs and dance music to accommodate the avid, gregarious nightclub denizen representative of the young professional segment.
This gives both camps attractive options and represents a versatile nightlife option that should create a larger market feel for the venue.
Shea also noted that when using the term "lounge" in this case, they mean it in the true sense.
The establishment aims to fully embody the idea of a lounge by having, "more furniture than probably anyplace in town."
When deciding on the direction of TrusT, Shea's approach was simple and direct.
"I don't know what I would want from the perspective of a 50-year old person looking for a nighttime destination, because I am not one," he says. "So, I ask those people what they would like, themselves." In Shea's view, a late 20 or 30 something cannot accurately know what a middle-aged fun-seeker desires, nor would the equation function properly the other way around.
Asking helps avoid the pitfalls of assuming.
One of the most notable and exemplary aspects of TrusT is the philanthropic belief that governs Andy Shea's business philosophy about how TrusT will serve the community.
"As a business, the goal should always be to become involved with the community in a way outside of just writing checks," he believes.
While community giving is important from the financial standpoint, Shea believes there are plenty of other possible ways to contribute.
As an ardent participant in and giver to area charities such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Bluegrass, Junior Achievement Society and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, he sees TrusT not only as a nightlife establishment, but also a versatile space where local companies can hold meetings, charity events, silent auctions and fundraisers.
Henry Ford once stated that "a business that makes nothing but money is a poor business" and if this venture holds true to its promise of community involvement than that mission can be fulfilled.
While bringing some fresh sounds of Jazz to the Lexington circuit and providing a new destination for entertainment, TrusT seeks to take its place as a lively nightlife provider, but also as a worthy investment and an overall asset to the city.
As with Jazz music itself, the best always comes better in layers.