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.
I heard it was condos. But yeah. boo-urns to that.
Anyways, maybe we can get a night-club that doesn’t look like someone’s basement. Take, for example, Twisted in Calgary…
allan
2 Jan 08 at 11:56 am
Condos would make a lot more sense, given the property value in the area, but I read in the Journal that it’s going to be a law office.
Adam Snider
2 Jan 08 at 12:07 pm
I heard condos in Vue, but then again consider the source.
As for “memories”…I met Ben at the roost, lots of fuzzy memories too..
allan
2 Jan 08 at 6:56 pm
Yeah, Vue has been frustratingly inaccurate lately, it seems.
Adam Snider
2 Jan 08 at 9:57 pm
I have to say, although I had only been to the Roost on a couple of occasions, I found it to be the most fun that I have had in such a long time - I love that it was so accepting, non-threatening and inclusive. I am SO not a club person, so I didn’t expect to have such a great time (I was dragged there by my brother and his friends) but it had the most fantastic mix of people and I just felt so welcome!! I do honestly hope that it does re-open in the near future. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Edmonton does not have a lot of alternatives to choose from, does it?
Michelle
3 Jan 08 at 3:20 pm
There are actually a few other queer clubs in Edmonton, but from what I hear, most of them are fairly dingy shit-holes. For most of the community, it was Buddy’s on Fridays and the Roost on Saturdays. I suspect that Buddy’s will suddenly find itself a lot busier on Saturday nights. The other, smaller places will probably see their business grow over the next few months as more people discover them. But, on the whole, there really aren’t very many gay bars in Edmonton (at least, not that I know about).
Adam Snider
3 Jan 08 at 3:36 pm
On Saturday January 19, at 9am start time, is the Roost Auction!
There will be a complete listing of everything up for auction in the Edmonton Journal on Saturday Jan. 12.
See you at the auction!
The Auction will take place at The Roost 10345-104st
RW
7 Jan 08 at 7:59 am