Benjamin Leatherman
Kenneth Williams keeps the door wide open at Rec Room, his monthly dance night at The Rosetta Room in Mesa. Any local selector can roll into the venue and jump on the decks for a spin session.
“We don’t turn DJs away,” Williams, better known as DJ MyGodComplex, says. “Anyone is welcome to come out.”
A similar vibe runs through The Rosetta Room itself. The downtown Mesa music and event venue, which opened earlier this month, is all about community. Owner Michelle Donovan says the 6,300-square-foot space at First Avenue and Sirrine is meant to be “accessible for everyone,” not just music lovers.
Like its sister venue, The Nile Theater, the spot has a multifaceted focus. In addition to The Rosetta Room’s 400-person all-ages concert space and bar in its west wing, its east wing includes a coffee bar. Its west room has ample space for yoga classes, a weekly farmers market and other events.
The rear exit of The Rosetta Room. Owner Michelle Donovan told Phoenix New Times the venue’s name was inspired by the Rosetta Stone and ties into the Egyptian theme of its sister spot, The Nile Theater.
On a recent Thursday night, The Rosetta Room hosted its first edition of Rec Room, an open format dance night that previously took place at the Nile’s coffee shop. For Williams, the move was a no-brainer.
“It was a chance to get in on the ground floor of something new,” he says.
Earlier this week, the venue also hosted its third-ever show – a packed-out performance by touring emo band Melrose Ave.
The Rosetta Room is all about new energy with a deep respect for the past. Housed in a building dating back to 1965, the space leans into its roots with mid-century modern style and vintage flair.
Vintage photos of Mesa landmarks inside a green room at The Rosetta Room.
You’ll find retro seating in the east wing. The green rooms feature throwback furniture, a classic turntable and a selection of dozens of old-school records. Historic photos of downtown Mesa and its various landmarks throughout the city line the walls.
“This is a mid-century building, so – like with The Nile – we want to pay homage to the history of this place and the city (itself),” says owner Michelle Donovan. “Mesa has the longest stretch of historic buildings in the state. Any time you can keep true to the building, and not just gut it and make it sterile, that’s a win.”
Here’s a peek inside The Rosetta Room and everything it offers.
Midcentury modern-style seating inside The Rosetta Room’s east wing.
This Modern performing inside The Rosetta Room’s 400-person venue in the building’s west wing.
A vintage Taylor Dunn Tee Bird utility cart inside The Rosetta Room’s east wing.
Shelves inside one of The Rosetta Room’s two green rooms.
The coffee bar inside of The Rosetta Room’s east wing.
A glimpse inside the larger of The Rosetta Room’s two different green rooms, which features retro vibes, a turntable and a selection of dozens of vintage records.
A Mesa-themed display in a green room inside the venue.
A turntable and records inside one of the green rooms at The Rosetta Room in Mesa.
Local DJ D_Chino in the mix during the first session of dance night Rec Room at The Rosetta Room.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.phoenixnewtimes.com ’
