If you're going to a big-name concert in Downtown St. Pete, there's a good chance it's going to be at Jannus Live. A huge, outdoor plaza hosting a diverse variety of national and local acts, this 2,000 person capacity venue will provide a one of a kind experience other concert venues in the area simply can't offer.
It was always Jannus Live, though. From its inception in the mid 80's till 2009, the venue was known as Jannus Landing. The details are too long and complex for an article like this, but, the original owner, Jack Bodziak, ditched Jannus Landing for financial reasons leaving it an empty shell of a venue until businessman Jeff Knight bought the place and really turned it around later in the year.
Today it boasts a total renovation with the addition of upstairs suites, a lounge, a koy pond, a much-improved stage setup, closed-circuit TV system, and more.
It's a unique experience watching a concert here. If the weather's right, and the music strikes you, an evening at Jannus can be one that's hard to forget. And, it's quite advantageous as there's really no seating chart, just all general admission. It may be a "big" venue, but, even so, you'll likely be a lot more up close and personal with your favorite artists at Jannus Live as opposed to a huge, seated venue.
Notable acts that have come through Jannus include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, and Pearl Jam way back when and Katy Perry, 50 Cent, and Paramore more recently.
If you're looking for a taste of what great live music, and scenery, in St. Petersburg is all about, there's really no better choice than Jannus Live. Pick a concert, head out there, and see what it's all about!
