As a young man at Florida State University, Bob Felicetti rode his bike past the former Gramling’s feed store each morning. In time, as he mastered gardening, the family-owned business supplied him every organic essential necessary for growing rose bushes and vegetables.
He may have spent a small fortune in the process, but it was worth it. The store founded by Owen Irvin Gramling in February 1915, the generations of Gramlings that followed and the community of customers supporting it nurtured Felicetti just as much. He was crushed when the 104-year-old establishment closed its doors in 2019.
It sat dormant with a “for sale” sign. Three years passed with no takers, to Felicetti’s surprise. He decided to purchase the property, not knowing what he’d do with it.
He may have a unique opportunity to bridge the legacy of two landmark institutions on opposite ends of town on the Gramling’s site, 1010 S. Adams St.
Turns out Felicetti, who purchased the property last year, also admired blues music and often made the miles-long drive to the Bradfordville Blues Club. Yet again, he was crushed to see the juke joint closed its doors last month.
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Felicetti’s parents, both immigrants from Italy, left him money through a trust in his name. His father worked for Eastern Airlines for 45 years, and his mother, a baker at his high school, worked hard to provide for him and his siblings. He wanted to use the money in a meaningful way and had an idea.
“I thought bringing a blues club, you know, blue collar blues to Tallahassee would honor them and the blues,” said Felicetti, adding some early conversations have taken place to assess the potential.
He’s commissioned Miami-based 10 Design firm to complete a feasibility study on the property that was once a commerce hub for farmers and the area’s agricultural needs.
Daniel “Mac” MacDonald, a longtime volunteer and friend of the Bradfordville Blues Club, said he was contacted about the potential to bring a blues music history or blues club to the former Gramling’s property. He’s been involved in the early conversations and went to the site with Felicetti’s group, including architects and designers.
“We did some rough sketching, and we’re now in the ideas and feasibility stage of doing exactly that,” he said. “It would be absolutely wonderful for here and this town if we could have a permanent location for live blues music and live blues history that everyone could come to.”
The former Bradfordville Blues Club was a longtime venue for more than 20 years. To keep it alive, a temporary partnership has been created to allow music acts to perform at the American Legion — referred to as the Bradfordville Blues Club at the American Legion. The first live music show will be July 7.
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“What we are looking for in the long term is a permanent facility that the history of blues music in North Florida can carry own forever,” MacDonald said. “We’re hoping to carry on the history and tradition of the Bradfordville Blues Club, if we can possibly do it, at the Gramling’s location.”
Deborah Desilets, Felicetti’s representative who’s helping to coordinate connections and resources, said several factors may be considered for the site, such as a blues museum or club.
“We see it like blue-collar workers getting together and saying, ‘Hey, we’re blue collar workers for the blues,” Desilets said. “We all work. I work. Bob works. We’re all just saying how can we work together, and does this music have a home here? Can we rally as a community and see if this is a good idea?”
On June 5, there will be a meet-and-greet event for residents to learn more about what’s possible and meet the property’s new owner. Desilets also said feedback is welcome and encouraged residents to visit the site. In addition, there are talks to bring a funk music component. She said music legend George Clinton is slated to also give remarks during the event.
“We want to do the best use of the land. That’s what the feasibility study is for,” Desilets said. “In terms of the community, they just sort of came knocking on the door. Two landmarks joining together and saying let’s help each other, that seems kind of good.”
Contact Reporter TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com and follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.
