By Bethany Harpur
Local bands are breathing a sigh of relief following an announcement that Barrymore’s Music Hall will remain open.
“I’m happy with the outcome,” said Chris Volk, singer and guitarist for the band Nectar. “Hopefully it will be a little better (for Barrymore’s). It has the potential of becoming a premium spot.”
The announcement comes after a long dispute between co-owners Randy Lanctot and Eugene Haslam over ownership of the popular Bank Street club. In the final decision, Haslam sold his shares to Lanctot.
“There’s been a lot of shuffling around,” said Volk. “But I’m glad Randy is taking over. He’s got a good vision for the club. I look forward to doing business with him.”
Lanctot’s first step towards improving the club’s image was to hire local musician Johnny Vegas as the new entertainment director. Lanctot says he feels confident about this decision.
“He’s well-known in town, has been on the scene for years and all the promoters like him,” said Lanctot.
“Both he and I have a commitment to the local scene. It will be a lot better for all musicians.”
Volk says Vegas’ long-standing relationship with many Ottawa groups makes him the best choice for booking new acts.
“We’ve done most of our shows with him,” he said. “He’s very much in tune with local bands, much better than other promoters.”
Vegas said he is equally excited about the club’s future. “I am ecstatic about it, and so are the bands. It’s a good thing, a really good thing.”
He added the situation at the club, a renowned jumping-off point for bands starting out on the scene, had been deteriorating for quite some time.
“It’s been pathetic,” he said. “It looks like (Haslam) lost interest. He let himself be bought out. He wasn’t into it anymore.”
While Lanctot said he hopes there are “no hard feelings” between him and Haslam, he agrees the future of the club is a top priority.
“There’s no reason in the world why that club should struggle,” he said. “It’s a beautiful room, everyone likes it. We’ll manage it well.”
Short-term plans for the club include marketing the club as more than just a music hall.
Lanctot would like to see more promotion done towards a broader audience, including corporate organizations.
“We haven’t had a wedding in there yet,” Lanctot jokes. Plans for a new Web page are also under way.
“We’re going to take steps so that we not only have more shows, but make more money,” said Vegas.
“A lot of (local) bands are going to get the opportunity to open for big touring acts in front of a brand-new audience.”
Local bands are breathing a sigh of relief following an announcement that Barrymore’s Music Hall will remain open.
“I’m happy with the outcome,” said Chris Volk, singer and guitarist for the band Nectar. “Hopefully it will be a little better (for Barrymore’s). It has the potential of becoming a premium spot.”
The announcement comes after a long dispute between co-owners Randy Lanctot and Eugene Haslam over ownership of the popular Bank Street club. In the final decision, Haslam sold his shares to Lanctot.
“There’s been a lot of shuffling around,” said Volk. “But I’m glad Randy is taking over. He’s got a good vision for the club. I look forward to doing business with him.”
Lanctot’s first step towards improving the club’s image was to hire local musician Johnny Vegas as the new entertainment director. Lanctot says he feels confident about this decision.
“He’s well-known in town, has been on the scene for years and all the promoters like him,” said Lanctot.
“Both he and I have a commitment to the local scene. It will be a lot better for all musicians.”
Volk says Vegas’ long-standing relationship with many Ottawa groups makes him the best choice for booking new acts.
“We’ve done most of our shows with him,” he said. “He’s very much in tune with local bands, much better than other promoters.”
Vegas said he is equally excited about the club’s future. “I am ecstatic about it, and so are the bands. It’s a good thing, a really good thing.”
He added the situation at the club, a renowned jumping-off point for bands starting out on the scene, had been deteriorating for quite some time.
“It’s been pathetic,” he said. “It looks like (Haslam) lost interest. He let himself be bought out. He wasn’t into it anymore.”
While Lanctot said he hopes there are “no hard feelings” between him and Haslam, he agrees the future of the club is a top priority.
“There’s no reason in the world why that club should struggle,” he said. “It’s a beautiful room, everyone likes it. We’ll manage it well.”
Short-term plans for the club include marketing the club as more than just a music hall.
Lanctot would like to see more promotion done towards a broader audience, including corporate organizations.
“We haven’t had a wedding in there yet,” Lanctot jokes. Plans for a new Web page are also under way.
“We’re going to take steps so that we not only have more shows, but make more money,” said Vegas.
“A lot of (local) bands are going to get the opportunity to open for big touring acts in front of a brand-new audience.”