SWANSEA — For years, musician Mitch Henry has been a part of many families' most special moments, elevating events from behind a piano. Now he wants to help others celebrate in a different capacity.

The Fall River piano man is utilizing his decade of experience in the wedding industry and passion for making memories as a performer to launch his newest venture.

He recently opened Studio 59, a new event venue at 581 GAR Highway, in the Swansea Target plaza, offering the SouthCoast community a blank canvas for any occasion.

"Being in the music world... I have a great passion for arts and great passion for people celebrating and having a good time," said Henry. "With Studio 59, I want that to be a place where people can come and celebrate their next milestone."

Henry acquired the 3,000-square-foot space, which was previously a T-Mobile and an Orange Leaf frozen yogurt shop, last September. It will cater toward smaller, more intimate events, accommodating up to 90 people, he said.

There is 1,400 square feet of open space, with a backroom that can be converted "into whatever will fit the clients' event." It can serve as a kitchenette, equipped with a refrigerator to store food and buffet stations available for use, or a lounge area.

There are options to simply rent the space — with clients taking care of setting up and tearing down — or options to have Henry's team or an event planner come in to setup and breakdown. Amenities include tables and chairs, Bluetooth speaker, WiFi, plenty of parking, as well as some decor options.

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Right now, Henry said they are getting a feel for what types of events people want catered to, but he's envisioning everything from baby showers to bridal showers to retirement parties to birthdays.

For Henry, Studio 59 was born out of a love of entertaining.

A native of Pensacola, Florida, music has always played an instrumental role in Henry's life.

"I grew up in the church and my dad was a pastor so I grew up around music all the time," said Henry, who moved to Fall River in August. "I kept playing the piano so (my parents) cultivated and nourished that skill and passion that I had."

The name of his business is actually a nod to his father, who passed away in 2020 amid the pandemic. "I wanted to commemorate him in a way where his spirit still lives on," said Henry, noting that 59 was his dad's football number.

In pursuit of his dream, Henry moved to Massachusetts in 2008 to attend Berklee College of Music. There, he developed connections with professors and folks in the music scene, touring and performing at weddings and corporate events throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

"Coming up here has really opened up my world to a lot of things," he said.

Music has taken Henry all over the world — from Australia to China to Italy. He's traveled with artists such as Marsha Ambrosius, an English singer and songwriter from Liverpool, England, and Brian McKnight, and has toured with saxophonist Marcus Strickland.

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"Between 2015 and 2017, that's when I traveled the most. I was on the road more than I was here," he said.

After a long stretch of adventuring, he decided it was time to plant some roots. Henry's focus shifted to business and different projects here, including a studio, Control Room, that he runs with a production partner in Brighton.

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According to Henry, weddings are a key part of his repertoire, performing at 16 to 20 a year. Through his work at weddings throughout the region over the last decade, he's made a lot of connections with local families, vendors and event planners that he's hoping to draw on and build upon with Studio 59.

"Adding Studio 59 to my business arsenal is very new and challenging but I know it's going to pay off in the end," Henry said. "I've noticed every season of my life it's always been risky, being an entrepreneur as a musician and creative, but I wouldn't change it for the world."

In an effort to introduce Studio 59 to the community and "get more eyes on it", he's planning to host open houses — at which he may also showcase his piano chops — at the Swansea space.

Henry said while he'll continue producing and performing, working with churches and artists, "now my main focus is getting Studio 59 to a successful plateau."

Studio 59 is currently open by appointment only. A soft opening at Studio 59 is planned for Feb. 11, with a grand opening to follow in March.

For more information on Studio 59 or to book an event, visit the website at https://studio59.webflow.io, Facebook or Instagram pages, or call 508-719-8457.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River musician opens new event space in Swansea plaza