Archive for January, 2008
The Roost is No More
The Roost Nightclub is no more. This past weekend was the last for the city’s most iconic queer club (it would be easy to argue that Flashback was more iconic, but it closed down years ago, so it doesn’t really count right now).
It’s a sad day for both the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gendered) community, and for open-minded club kids in general.
I have some pretty good memories of the Roost, myself, and I wish that I would have been able to get into the club on Saturday like I had planned.
Alas, I fell asleep on the couch like an old man, and didn’t wake up until it was too late. But, even if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to get in. The friends I was to go with waited in line for an hour and a half before the security guard told them to go home, because they wouldn’t be getting in before closing (the place was, understandably, filled to capacity).
The Roost wasn’t just a nightclub. It was also a cultural centre. There were a number of theatre productions—some good, some not-so-good—put on at the Roost, often starring members of the staff. There were plays, stand-up comedy nights, and even the occasional concert.
As sad as it is too lose such an important part of Edmonton’s nightlife and cultural scene, it was bound to happen. Being located in the increasingly trendy warehouse district, it was only a matter of time before the Roost’s owners got an offer that was too good to refuse.
Such an offer was accepted, and the Roost will be turned into a law office very soon.
There are indications that the Roost plans to reopen at another location, but as far as I can tell, that’s very up in the air right now. Hopefully, the Roost will reopen in the future, or another bar will open to fill the void that’s been created by it’s closure.
In the meantime…a law office? Seriously? Prime real estate in the warehouse district and, instead of building lofts, they’re opening a law office? That seems like a poor use of the space to me.
To honour the closing of an Edmonton landmark, I suggest that people use the comments section to relate some of their favourite memories about the Roost.