Starlight won’t reopen as uncertainty swirls around future of live music industry
Posted Jul 23, 2020 05:57:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It's been a popular spot in Uptown Waterloo for over 15 years, but it's official: the Starlight is closed for good.
Josh Koehler is owner of Starlight Social Club and confirmed the details to 570 NEWS on Thursday.
He said the live music scene was already struggling before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and right now, “it's unrealistic to expect to make it through this period financially.”
Koehler said Starlight first closed on March 17, and the doors at 47 King Street North will not reopen whatsoever.
However, there is a Starlight Social Club pop-up patio a few doors down at 85 King Street North.
Koehler is hoping to keep that open through the summer and beyond, and when it's safe to do so, he'll explore options to host music acts again – even if it means having smaller shows at smaller venues.
As for the outpouring of support Starlight has received since the news of its closure was announced, Koehler said he feels lucky to have been able to host so many amazing acts over the years.
If you want to take a trip down memory lane and peruse past performers, you can do so by clicking here.
