Lefty's music venue reopens Saturday as Strychnine

Zoom in: Owner and local musician Jas "Jerry" Spargur has maintained the venue's live-music focus while refreshing the interior and serving cocktails.

• The opening-day lineup includes Bob Pace, Brother Trucker, Loose Gravel, The Darkhorse Mob, Absolute Power, Switchblade Saturdays and Jacob County & The Damaged Goods.

Catch up quick: Lefty's closed in December after 10 years, during which the roughly 350-capacity venue became a home for everything from metal and hip-hop to garage bands.

Context: The venue's new name honors Jimi "Strychnine" Scribner, a late local musician and sound technician and a longtime fixture in Des Moines' music community.

What's next: Strychnine, 2307 University Ave., opens at noon, with bands taking the stage around 2pm.

• Saturday's shows are $10 for either of two music blocks, or $15 to catch both.