| From Green to Verdé |
<Home A huge change for live music in Iowa City took place in August of 2005, when the Green Room changed ownership, becoming Verdé. When the bar started construction last fall, the owner, Chase Haldeman, assured any local news reporter that came near the establishment that “nothing will change! We’re still hosting live music!” That hasn’t happened. The bar now hails as a more casual, placid establishment, and it features live music only about once every three months, which is a huge drop from the next to nightly acts the Green Room once housed. But Verdé’s do-it-all guy (band scheduler, chef, bartender, former manager) Brad “Tip” Holloman said the drop in number of acts comes from cautionary uncertainty. “If you try to do too much at one time, you’ll end up failing,” the 25-year-old said. “We didn’t want to schedule a bunch of bands that might not go that well, and would mess up what we have started here.” What they have started brings different ambiance to Iowa City. Most bars go for the “pack-everyone-you-possibly-can-without-causing-an-all-out-riot” mentality, which is aimed at the spending power of the UI student body. While music-based establishments differ from this mindset by-and-large, just about every non-pub, non-music venue in this town can arguably fit into this mould. However, Verdé looks for quality over quantity, supporting a more upscale, almost avant-garde atmosphere. “We want to get away from that cluttered atmosphere,” Holloman said. “Not to sound snooty, but we’ve established a particular clientele here. And we didn’t want to alienate what we’ve created.” But Holloman insists that the music will come. Verdé is just taking baby steps on the way, making sure its footing is sure before making the leap to live. “I will tell you right now, we want to be known as a music venue,” Holloman said. “We will have the best bands here. […] I promise you that.” Situated just outside of the town’s “City Plaza” on South Gilbert Street, the confines of Verdé create a laid-back atmosphere not only in tone but location as well. Flanked by the Old Capitol Brew Works, the Vine, and the new home of Fitzpatrick’s, Verdé may seem more blue-collar than white by association. Nonetheless, a taciturn element surrounds the venue. And that seems to be just what the laid-back establishment needs to bring in the type of music that fits it. “This place screams lounge-y, bluesy jazz stuff, so we’re going for that,” Holloman said. Verde also looks to host at least one performance a week once things get going – booking both local, regional, and national acts alike. And if all goes to plan, Verdé will be a place to hear live music just like its Green Room predecessor. “If there’s a live show here, people won’t specifically have to know the name of the band.” Holloman said. “They’ll know what to expect. It’s a guaranteed good time." |