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Jesca Hoop at the Temple Bar by Koga/LAist
More details are coming out regarding The Temple Bar closing its doors at the end of next month. The venue's booker, Dexter Story, described closing as bittersweet. "We're going to miss this place," he said over the phone this afternoon. As to why owners Louie and Netty Ryan are choosing to close the venue, Story forwarded a letter they have been sending out (the full letter is posted in full below this story):
We have been asked, ‘why? a thousand times over the past week. Well, we feel there is a life span to all venue’s. A period of time when the music presented is rich and the genre presented by that venue is almost unique. And for that reason the time has come to retire something great while it is still rich and wonderful. We too are artists who create a vibe in a particular space, in order to give our customers a unique experience, in our opinion that experience must always remain fresh – never to become lack luster. So, the time has come.
Additionally, the Ryans are working on opening the Del Monte Speakeasy in the basement of their Venice club, The Townhouse.
A FAREWELL LETTER Louie and Netty Ryan write this letter to thank all the patrons, musicians and all of those who frequented Temple Bar over the past decade.
Thank you very much for supporting us and allowing us to present the fine mix of quality music that we did over the years. The musicians who played on The Temple Bar stage made us who we are and upon that we built our name.
We have been asked, 'why? a thousand times over the past week. Well, we feel there is a life span to all venue's. A period of time when the music presented is rich and the genre presented by that venue is almost unique. And for that reason the time has come to retire something great while it is still rich and wonderful.
We too are artists who create a vibe in a particular space, in order to give our customers a unique experience, in our opinion that experience must always remain fresh - never to become lack luster. So, the time has come.
We want to invite you to continue to enjoy the experience of Zanzibar and Little Temple. You will continue to see some of your favorite Temple Bar music presented at these venues from time to time.
We would also like to present our 'newest' venture - The oldest and original speakeasy in Venice - The Townhouse with the Del Monte Speakeasy, located at 52 Windward Ave in Venice.
Built in 1915 by Abbot Kinney himself, it has a wonderful 'prohibition style' speakeasy in the basement where we will be presenting the most current in live music, DJ''s and entertainment.
We would like to thank our wonderful staff, past and present, especially Dexter Story, Cary Sullivan and Megan Jacobs who booked the talent over the years. We would like to thank KCRW and KPFK radio stations as well as the various labels, all which showcased exceptional talent on The Temple Bar stage.
Thank you all for participating in this lifestyle along with us.
Yours sincerely,
Louie and Netty Ryan
