The Royal Room, a new club in Columbia City run by Tia Matthies and Steve Freeborn and booked by renowned, supremely versatile keyboardist Wayne Horvitz, hosts a soft opening tonight at 6:30. This is in advance of the four-day grand opening, featuring a barrage of shows happening Fri. Dec. 16-Mon. Dec. 19 with over 20 acts, including Horvitz’s Zony Mash and Sweeter Than the Day groups, WACO, and Yada Yada Blues Band.

The Royal Room will serve as both a live-music venue and as a laboratory in which musicians can brainstorm and collaborate on pieces together in a creative environment.

From the Royal Room’s website:

With permanent backline, recording and video, a grand piano and a generous stage, the venue has been designed to serve the musicians and artists who will be performing. The restaurant and bar has a comfortable neighborhood feel that welcomes patrons of all ages and varied tastes, from an after work happy hour to late in the evening. Thursday through Monday evenings feature local artists with no cover charge, allowing fans and regulars alike to enjoy the music. Tuesday and Wednesday nights are reserved for national and touring acts.

The music featured at the Royal Room covers a wide range of styles, with an emphasis on creative programming and development. This allows artists to work on projects in a collaborative community space. To that end, the club has been designed to accommodate in house recordings, off hour rehearsals and residencies of four to twelve weeks.

More info.