OPENING its doors to the public for the first time tonight is live music club Mama Stone’s. What used to be The Hub, in Mary Arches Street, Exeter, has been transformed into what is described as a “blues barn” with a “really good vibe”.
The club has sparked a lot of interest — not just because of the great line-up of live acts it promises to deliver, but also because its owner is soul sensation Joss Stone’s mother, Wendy Joseph, 48, and her American husband, Jonathan, 42.

Previously they ran Wendy’s Wellington music academy, the original Mama Stone’s, which was closed down following complaints over noise.

Over the next few weeks Joss herself is expected to pack out the venue, which has a capacity of 250, along with other well-known names including Johnny Mars and Mica Paris. But in the meantime it will be Westcountry dance band Blue Room Baboons kicking off proceedings tonight. Entry is free with various food and drink specials also available.

Jonathan said: “The band will party down so everyone will be on the dance floor, and able to relax and have a great time. “It’s a soft opening so what we’re looking for is people to come by and say hello. They will be surprised because it doesn’t bear any resemblance to what it was previously. “It’s a bit of a blues barn, but comfortable with a really good vibe. The only way to really understand is to come by. “Part of our ethos is not to be age or genre specific. We are trying to create a vibe across the board.
“A soft launch is really an American thing seen as a practice run. We want to make sure it is all functioning well by the grand opening.”

The grand opening weekend will see acoustic singer Adam Isaac perform on Thursday, September 3, blues legend Johnny Mars on Friday, September 4, soul singer Mica Paris on Saturday, September 5, and Joss Stone on Sunday, September 6.

Jonathan said: “I’m really excited about the soft launch, but I’m even more excited about the grand opening in two weeks’ time as there are so many big things happening.”

Plans have also been submitted to build a recording studio on the first floor.

Mama Stone’s is open tonight from 5pm to 2am.