IN SHORT: An interesting venue in a dodgy part of town. It's the sort of place where you go to see up-and-coming acts, niche performances or performance art. YMMV.
THE FULL STORY: I went to 2720 Cherokee to see The Protomen, which is an underground rock band that fuses the style of STYX and Queen in a rock opera set based around a dark prequel story that occurs in the world of the Megaman video game series.
So, yeah, pretty much the perfect act for a place like 2720 Cherokee, which can house about 200 people comfortably (almost entirely standing room -- there's very little seating) and which is a dive venue in every sense of the word.
When you arrive at the doors, you'll see that the sign and the initial walls are spray-painted, which suggests that this venue is not the most polished place. The upstairs section is a stand-alone art studio. Some of that art must have migrated downstairs, because there are interesting pieces hanging up on the walls, some of which are more accessible than others. There's also a row of antique pinball machines which are badly in need of calibration -- a sort of performance art, I'm sure, as people get angry feeding quarters into the stupid things only to lose the game seconds later. There's a cool Star Wars toy diorama above the bar area. The seating looks like it was left behind from the previous owners of the joint and that someone decided it was too heavy to move -- it's haphazardly placed around the room and seems more like an afterthought than anything.
The bar serves a few popular favorites and some craft beers. The building must have a lot of metal rebar in the walls and floors, because cell phone signals are really spotty inside. The bathrooms are surprisingly usable considering that they're in a music venue. I heard that there's an outdoor garden area, but it wasn't open the night we were there.
I'm not sure what else to say about 2720 Cherokee, other than your mileage may vary (YMMV) depending upon your enthusiasm for the act performing. I had a good time. I didn't think the dive-y style of the venue was so much a deliberate choice as a practical one. This is not a part of town where you'd expect the Fabulous Fox -- 2720 really fits the vibe.
Cherokee Street is still a scary place at night, so lock your cars and keep valuables out of sight. There are lots of great Mexican restaurants in the area, as well as some good bars. But plan your post-event celebrating for another part of town.
Pretty nifty place. Definitely a hipster kinda grunge fest type of scene but hey, I like a change of pace every so often.
I came here a little while ago with Cherie O. and Sean H. for the Speed Rack bartending fundraiser competition thingy.
Not really sure what to say beyond it has a cool vibe/atmosphere. Even Sean couldn't resist the Star Wars diorama thing they had going on in the corner. (Wonder if that's a year round thing or if they change it up every now and then?)
I am guessing that it's normally a concert venue based on other reviews and it sounds like they also have art shows and other such events like the bartending competition here.
Kind of a drive for me, so I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here on any ol' Fri or Sat night but maybe if they had an event that piqued my interest, I might return.
There's nothing fancy about 2720, but when it comes down to finding great acts and packing people on to a dance floor this place comes alive. Â I've been here to see everything from Beggar's Carnival events to some of the biggest names in the EDM scene. Â I've, also, had the opportunity to perform there and was pleased with how attentive the management was with us. Â There's a bit of gallery up the stairs featuring some pretty cool emerging artists hosted by Art Dimensions. Â There are a few drawbacks to this place. Â There's a single bar, and when it gets busy you'll wait a good 10-15 minutes for a drink. Â Also, for a large space, it gets steamy in there during shows, and I've had to escape outside for a few for relief.
Review Source:As if 2720 Cherokee couldn't get any better, I recently discovered they have a huge fenced-in patio out back! Â It's a great place to get a breath of fresh air and socialize.
If you want to get the full 2720 experience, stop by on the first Wednesday of every month to check out Aaron Kamm & The One Drops, one of the best bands in STL by far. Â Their mix of jam, reggae, and blues gets the whole floor filled up and dancing. Â They play for about 3 hours (with an intermission). Â It really is a lovely thing to be a part of. Â Check it out!
I have only been here once, but it was awesome! I went on a weekend night.
The drinks are cheap. They had a pretty cool band, and the DJ afterward was playing house music. I never thought I would here house music in St. Louis.
I just wanted to dance all night.
The crowd was quite eclectic.
The only thing I didn't like was that we got ID'd at the door, but then I saw a baby in there. Weird. I didn't feel comfortable drinking in front of a baby at the bar at midnight. So I waited until his mom left with him, which, luckily, wasn't that much later.
My husband didn't like it. So next time I go, I'll go with friends.
I can't believe this weekend was my first visit to a venue just a couple miles from my house! As many yelpers commented, it's awesome to see Cherokee consistently getting great new businesses, and 2720 is no exception. The staff is friendly, prices reasonable, and space thoughtfully laid out. The art, light show, and sound system contributed to a funky, trippy vibe to which one could groove out or relax and get comfy in a seat to watch the show and colorful crowd.
Review Source:This place is a complete dive. Â When I went, it was almost completely empty and the band I wanted to see didn't start at their scheduled time, but rather 2 hours later. Â There's ratty couches to sit on and some chairs scattered in the back. Â There's a cheaply made bar that doesn't look clean. Â They only accept cash, but there's an ATM in there. Â This place has the feel of a watching a band of untalented middle school students practice in a garage that they decorated with black lights.
Review Source:It seems a bit odd to be rating an event space. I mean, it's basically walls and air. Your rating of an event space is going to be largely influenced by the event itself, not the space. But seeing as 2720 is to events what George Clooney is to women, you can pretty much bet that whatever you see/do/make out with here is going to be quality.
The space is littered with insane art, and every piece of art is like a Rorschach test... while tripping acid.
The bar is like a little kid's lemonade stand. If that kid were President Obama.
The strobe lights and Chinese lanterns won't give you a seizure, but the orgasm they give you might give you a seizure.
This space is a place where everyone's an exhibitionist and a voyeur at the same time. I haven't seen that many people making out since the time I went alone to a honeymoon resort in Cozumel.
This space is sophisticated in a bohemian kind of way. It's so hip that any hipster within a three mile radius weeps. Dive meets hipster here and it's a strangely titillating mash up. Whomever is behind this place never went through the D.A.R.E. program.
Also, this place is way ahead of its time and so New York by naming itself after its address. That's almost as narcissistic as naming the street you live on after yourself.
My first experience at 2720 happened to be the 6th Annual Dan Kelly Christmas event. Â I took a cab there since I knew I'd be drinking and honestly have not been in this part of town in quite awhile and it looks completely different. Â Restaurants all along the street, nice lighting, and clean. Â
I get to the place and pay the cover. Â The place was a lot larger than I thought and it was easy to move around and I didn't feel cramped at all. Â The music was great all night and the drinks were cheap so this guy was happy all night.
I was glad I came because it was for a good cause and I was introduced to a great venue with awesome sound and have now rediscovered the area. Â Can't wait to go back!
I was a Cherokee Street virgin as of last week. After visiting 2720, I can't wait to go back and explore some more.
The venue was hosting a free wine tasting. I wasn't sure what to expect, all I knew was that there'd be free wine, body painting, and a DJ.
You walk in, stage on right, bar on left, couches, bar tables, and seats in the middle. It's basically a huge loft. I thought the space was used really well, lots of room to mingle.
More importantly, Star Wars toys were displayed nonchalantly, as if it wasn't the coolest thing ever.
I always wanted to encounter a space that was awesome for the fact that it's a SPACE. 2720 is one of those spaces.
The outside proclaims it to be an artsy sort of place with bold lines and loud lettering.I first encountered it on a random weekend in July 2010. I walked through it to go see the studios above. It was the open studios weekend and I was determined to utilize that as a way to explore the city.
The next two times I've come here was for a workshop on contact staff spinning. The people who taught charged a fee to help pay for the rent. It was really awesome and I loved the feel of the place. It's weird and strange and wonderful. I like how I can take random classes on random things here. I'll definitely be returning here again.
2720 is a big room with a lot of character, but it doesn't look very... professional. I know that's not a big deal, but you should know how it is. The stage is right-sized for a full band, the overall room could hold about 200 people, and the sound is actually really nice. It just kinda looks like shit, though, you know? Maybe even in a good way.
The seating consists of beat up couches situated facing the stage, and the bar looks incredibly cheap... because it is. There's a tone of homemade and print show posters all over the walls, and the door guy sits at a class counter with venue merch at it. It's all very DIY, which, if you like that, is perfect. Â Like I said, though, if you're just counting the stats: good sound, good stage, good price. If a band you like is there, you should go. Simple as that.
I am madly in love with 2720....so much that my wife and I are holding our "wedding" reception there in a matter of months. Â
My first 2720 experience was at the Beggar's Carnivale. Â I love the ambiance and the vibe I get from the place. Â It's dive-y but hip....cool but not trendy. Â All of the 'weird' elements give 2720 its magic - the decor, the architecture, etc. Â The upstairs where the Art Dimensions and other art groups house often hold their events is absolutely stunning. Â After looking at other venues, we decided on 2720 as soon as Josh introduced us to the upstairs room. Â They bring in some crazy cool artists and musicians - not your average everyday top of the pops stuff, which is a huge point winner in my book.
Let's talk about Josh, who runs the show. Â Josh is a breath of fresh air when it comes to being real and doing things to better the Cherokee area as well as spread his love for the art and music community. Â He and his crew continue to make improvements to 2720. Â They put their heart and soul into giving 2720 its mojo. Â He has been so amazingly helpful and easy to work with as far as meeting our requests and so forth. Â He goes above and beyond and is just a super cool human being. Â We are absolutely stoked about having our reception there.
For some strange reason, this place was dead when we strolled in around 10 pm on a Friday night. I still can't figure out why. The doormen were super friendly as was bar staff. The decor was off the charts, so funky. Star Wars memorbilia all over the bar, fantastic posters from previous shows covered the walls.
Free Whiskey, a hip hop group, were rapping about getting drunk, drinking all the whiskey and getting naked. One of the lead vocalists was a super hot white chick. I definitely was feeling their vibe.
I couldn't get over all the funky stuff on the walls, definitely lots of chill, kind people around. There was some guy off to the side painting during both sets, didn't get a chance to talk to him.
Second floor hosted a DJ with some seriously trippy laser lights going on. The front area had some amazing art for sale. I mean amazing.
Smokers got enjoy their nicotine out in back on a little patio with no chairs. Sure there's no seating to keep people inside. We had a really great time and will def be back. I highly recommend this venu. Cheap, strong drinks too! I got a double vodka for $8!!!
This is a new venue for me....but so far, every show I've seen here has been fantastic!! Â There have been 2 Beggar's Carnivales so far and the next one will be on Jan. 22nd (so don't miss out).
This is a HUGE space and lots of walkin' around room, an enormous dance floor, fantastic stage and very friendly staff.
Upstairs there is an art gallery called Art Dimensions and so far I've been to one show called Off the Wall  which was a top rate event with a lot of up and coming artists side-by-side with some well known greats in St. Louis.
To help ease the hunger pangs at midnight....why not top off a great night w/ a hotdog from The Hotdog Man's cart....you won't be sorry!!
I'm sure this will be a new favorite haunt for me in the new year.
This past weekend I had the chance to go to 2720 for two amazing events. friday night Lola van Ella and Sammich the Tramp presented "the beggar's Carnival" which I hope will become a monthly event. and On saturday night PBR threw one heck of a bash hosted by our local PBR rep affectionalty known as PBR Dave. While bothe events were pretty amazing and even a bit overwhelming at times this review is about the venue..so on we go,
2720 is a cavernously huge venue with little nooks and crannes filled with are couches benches random chairs. there is alot to look at on the majority of the walls. on the rear wall to the right of the bar is a fully reconstructed battle of Hoth scene (had kind of a geek-gazim)
the staff was attentive and friendly, bartenders were quick and the venue is smoke free which is kind of awesome on it's own..
my only complaint is the hallway where the bathrooms are is not really well marked so a lot of people were lined up waiting to use the tiny handicapped accesible restroom, when there were two very large restrooms just down the hall.. just a hand painted sign on the wall would fix that....Over all I enjoyed both trips, the neighborhood is well, it's cherokee at night so just stay alert...
The Beggar's Canivale at 2720 Cherokee
Dangling daredevils suspended by billowing sheets, fire bolting from the mouth of a sexy clad maiden heavily bosomed in astonishing garb, Roxy Red Rockets electrifying Poi spin, a melancholy mime, and much more...hosted by the "Derriere Beyond Compare" - Lola Van Ella! Â
A fantastic eve of eventful belongings awaiting your anticipation , all wrapped neatly inside 2720 Cherokee! Â If you have not yet visited this exciting escape of ecstasy, please do, and arrive early. Â Within moments the plethora of persons overtook seats and only standing room was available. Yet, even my legs didn't rebuke the desire to hold me attentive for this titillating time! Â Enjoy, and emerge emanating..."she told us so"!
2720 has been my neighbor for over a year and it's about damn time that I went by and checked out this art gallery/music venue. So many times I've walked by this rehabbed building and wondered what's inside.
I didn't come for a concert, just a meeting for local artists, so I can't speak for what it's like to see a show here. But what I can vouch for is the fact that the upstairs gallery is super cool! Again, it's an old department store, so the front windows are huge and the original hardwood floors have been restored. The art displayed is all from STL creative folks and is on a rotating schedule. You can also rent this space for events - perhaps there should be a Yelp Art Attack here?
If you're a budding artist and want the opportunity to meet locals like yourself OR how to get your work out there, definitely check out 2720. OR if you're a person who likes to support local art, come by for an event and see what the rest of us yelpers are making a fuss about!
One of the best places to see a show in St. Louis by far! Joshua Loyal knows how to throw a party and you are guaranteed to see some amazing bands/live acts at 2720. You will not be disappointed! If you are a musician, the stage is huge! Can't really think of anything negative to say.
Review Source:Davide is doing a fantastic job with this place. Â There really seems to be something for everyone:
Tonight we attended the spring art opening, which included a fun bluegrass/ garage-stompin' good time of a band downstairs, art and a fashion show on the second floor. Â I loved the diversity of the crowd. Â I looked around me and saw middle aged folk, young urban fashionistas in nerd glasses, artists, Dj's, hipsters, neo-hippie types, bicycle gangs. Â It was great. Â I've always been into mingling with many different peoples, and Art Dimensions really brought everybody together. Â The low-key and complete absence of pretension really makes Art Dimensions accessible for anyone.
Came here for the VHS or Beta DJ night. I love the space! Art installations and couches on the 1st floor, more art and studio space upstairs. Awesome stage lighting and sound. Mixed drinks at the bar are small but cheap ($4 for a rum and coke). Props for the self-serve water - an absolute necessity when you are dancing! They are planning to add an espresso bar and wifi area on the 2nd floor, although I think that will just be open on Saturdays.
I'm holding back a star for now because their promotion is lax. Printed flyers aren't going to cut it in this day and age. You gotta fire up the social media. They also had the date for this event wrong on their website and didn't fix it until the last minute. A lotta people missed a really good show!!