By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – A slew of bands making waves on today’s alternative music charts are resurrecting the city’s club scene, starting with Vu – Cornwall’s emerging night spot.
The location 113 ½ Pitt Street struggled with a notorious identity crisis for over a decade, with previous tenants Snails II, Cruz, Rio’s (teen dance club), and Friktion, before Vu opened its doors a year and a half ago.
Jamie Maracle, the night spot’s manager and booking agent, is using his time spent as lead singer of famed Cornwall metal band Fathom Ties to bring trending musical acts to downtown Cornwall.
His connections are luring popular Canadian bands playing in Montreal, Ottawa, and Kingston to the Seaway City as they pass through. Sold out shows and after-parties for Protest the Hero, Abandon All Ships, and Down With Webster have their live shows in heavy demand.
“I wanted to bring bigger city acts to our small town and give back to the music community that gave me an opportunity to do what I did with my former music adventures,” said Maracle.
Their recent show with Burlington rockers Silverstein, set to tour North America and Mexico this summer, pulled in 200 people.
With the recent closure of Remington’s Bar and Deli and Rangatangs Nitespot, Vu and Envy Night Spot (a stone’s throw away) are the two clubs left standing. (Of course, local taverns La Maison, Lola’s Pub & Grub, and Glengarrian Pub & Restaurant are still city fixtures.)
But there isn’t always a huge national band conveniently playing a nearby venue. This is where Vu’s 23 part-time employees come into play. Constant theme parties, local music acts, and fundraising benefits fill up the weeks in between.
“Everyone at Vu has worked very hard to try and please the nightlife in Cornwall, we are very excited and proud of what we accomplished,” he said.
Vu Night Spot’s next big concert is on March 14 with Abandon All Ships, Palisades, Skynet, Partycat, and local act Here Comes Bigfoot. Then on April 15, Protest the Hero will be returning with Intervals, and The Motorleague.
Visit www.vunightspot.com or follow them on Facebook for upcoming events.
