Old feed store on Monroe now nourishing musicians

Florida native Russ Pangratz is one of the owners and operators of The Junction at Monroe, an art gallery and music venue that occupies an historic building on South Monroe Street. For years, the building operated as a farm and feed store. Now, The Junction at Monroe operates in a similar way — but Pangratz aims to feed a community of musicians and artists instead.

Pangratz and his wife Josie originally procured the space to use for extra storage for their thrift store, Lolli & Pop’s, and to store equipment for Pangratz’s sound and lighting company. But after his band started rehearsing in one of the building’s annexes, Pangratz decided to turn the space into a music venue.

“One of the first things I noticed about the place was how good it sounded,” he said. “And now, it’s been confirmed that this is the best sounding room in town. We call it that, but musicians, sound techs, people who know what they’re talking about, they all agree.”

Pangratz and his wife started converting the building last November, and officially opened less than two months ago. The two wanted the Junction to be more than a music venue, though, and have big plans for the two buildings and five acres of property. Currently, the Junction also houses artist vendor booths, and Pangratz hopes to soon convert an outbuilding into cubicle studio spaces for local artists of all kinds.

Pangratz’s love for music has been a part of him for as long as he can remember. He first started teaching himself how to play the guitar when he was 12.

“I would take my records, and I would learn a little part of a song, then pull the needle back, learn another little part, then pull the needle back, and keep learning that way,” he said. “I think a lot of people learned that way; we didn’t have YouTube and Google back then.”

Pangratz was in high school when he started his first band. His urge to help fellow artists and musicians also stretches back to that high school band: their bass player used a guitar Pangratz bought for him.

Pangratz’s current band Tightner uses the Junction to rehearse, but the space also functions as headquarters for the Tallahassee Area Musicians Guild. Pangratz and a few others formed the guild to encourage local musicians to network with each other. Members of the guild are free to use the Junction’s stage and professional equipment to rehearse or record.

“I guess I’m a generous person,” he said. “I’m always helping out people who are doing things for the music community, and I just wanted to do more.”

Every Wednesday, the Junction holds an open mic night. In their tradition of doing things a little differently, this isn’t your average open mic night. There’s a cover charge, paid by patrons and performing musicians alike. But of that cover charge, fifty percent goes back to the night’s performers. A small portion goes to the musicians guild, and the rest keeps the Junction’s lights on. It’s a unique opportunity for local musicians —not only to get paid for performing at an open mic night, but to be able to use the Junction’s stage and professional equipment.

Pangratz has big plans for the Junction’s property. He eventually hopes to host a farmer’s market, community garden, and outdoor music venue on the building’s back lot, and has already formed a relationship with local charitable organizations such as Big Bend Cares and the TMH Foundation.

Though Pangratz isn’t quite sure what comes next for him or the space, rest assured that you can always expect something new and exciting to be happening at the Junction.

IF YOU GO

What : Open Mic Night at the Junction at Monroe

When : 8 p.m. every Wednesday night

Where : The Junction at Monroe, 2011 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee

Cost : $10

Contact : 321-5680 or russ@pangratz.net