Andy Geertsen has spent the last 13 years in Olympia doing what he loves - booking shows and bringing music to the masses. A bartender by trade, this former trumpet player has an ear for great bands and a dedication to the music scene that has earned him an awesome reputation in the community.

Now, he gets to take that experience to a new level. Geertsen took over the space that, until just recently, housed The Royal Lounge at 311 Capitol Way N. in downtown Olympia.

The new venue is called Rhythm and Rye and features a weekly rotation of live music.

He estimates booking about 100 shows a year in Olympia, and he has connections up and down the coast. He will continue with the Monday night jazz that The Royal hosted and will include a Thursday night jazz jam, too. Sunday will be rootsy blues. The weekends will be filled with metal, bluegrass, rock, dance and more. ("Olympia favorites," said Geertsen.) Rhythm and Rye will also be available as a performance space - Rock Candy Burlesque is already on the calendar.

Rhythm and Rye will have 12 beers on tap including Lucille, a Georgetown IPA and Olympia beer, a cocktail menu and, of course, an ample whiskey selection.