About JOE’S CAFÉ

“What if imagination and art are not frosting at all,
but the fountainhead of human experience?”
_{^{― quote by Rollo May}}

• Joe’s is a BYOB/Food art club, open sometimes on Thursdays, occasional Saturdays, and for special events
• Please recycle your own stuff
• Doors open about one hour before the show
• Events end by 10:30 PM
• Smoking outside only
• All adults, robots, and aliens are welcome
• All seating is general admission
• Please remember Joe’s is a listening room
• Occupancy permitted – 99. No balcony access.
• PLEASE park on Des Peres Ave. (Joe’s exists through the good graces of our neighbors) aka ABSOLUTELY no parking on Kingsbury

History

William “Bill” Christman purchased the property in 1982 and established Christman Studios, a sign-making and art studio. Before then, the site had housed several commercial and religious organizations, including a shoe repair shop, the original St. Roch Catholic Church, and local gospel churches. The gospel choir would be positioned on stage under the ‘RADIO’ neon sign. Today, the property is a multipurpose space encompassing Christman Studios, Joe’s Café, an art studio, and a sculpture garden. Bill named Joe’s Café in memory of his close friend and fellow poet/artist Joe Ouellette, who died young. (only the good…) The two had often dreamed of opening a café there, making the venue a tribute to Joe. The original name was going to be “Sluggo’s Hepcat/Boss Kitten Lounge” but Joe Ouellette remarked, “That’s too many syllables!”

In 2009, Bill acquired the two lots west of Christman Studios for an art and sculpture garden and built a sign-making workshop at the rear of the property. As Bill created sculptures, his wife, Mary, an avid gardener, surrounded the artwork with lush plants, trees, and flowers. Under her care, the garden continues to flourish with greenery, water features, and sculpture. On sunny days, she can often be found tending it.

In 2012, the studio expanded eastward into a space Bill nicknamed “Ars Populi,” Latin for “the art of the people.” He has since given the evolving space several names. It displays work by local artists alongside Bill’s art and sculptures. In the evenings, music from Joe’s Café plays over the speakers in the space, creating a place for conversation and gathering without disturbing the audience next door at Joe’s.

Bill regularly welcomes friends, apprentices, and local artists to the site. Joe’s Café traces its beginnings to the summer of 2003, when Bill invited close friends to a party featuring the Soulard Blues Band. His sculptures, artwork, signs, and works in progress filled the property. The gathering was such a success that he hosted another a few weeks later, marking the café’s unofficial beginning. In its early years, bands played for tips and poets gave readings. Bill recruited his favorite local bands and friends to perform in the studio, and the unconventional venue became a hit. Events had no regular schedule and spread by word of mouth. A $5 donation was later collected to pay the musicians. Performances ranged from bluegrass, Irish and American folk, jazz, blues, and rock to classical and avant-garde music. Guests were encouraged to bring their own food and drinks, and Joe’s Café evolved into a listening room where conversation during performances was strongly discouraged.

Joe’s Café quickly became a sought-after destination, especially among music, art and poetry lovers, drawing a highly diverse and eclectic group of patrons. Musicians valued the opportunity to perform there, and the venue has helped launch careers of local musicians and artists while attracting regional and national acts. In addition, art exhibits by local artists and several nonprofit organizations have used the space for fundraising events.