Windsor's Culture slide

I wanted pass along this news, as it speaks to the closing of yet another local venue whose support of the local arts scene has been immeasurable. I wrote about the closing of Sky Lounge back in October and the impact it will have on our local music scene, and this news only reaffirms the notion that if we are to possess a vibrant, culturally rich downtown, that we must stem this bleeding of venues for our local talent. From the news posted on The Avalon's website, it seems that there's more to this story than simply a business with too few customers to support it's bottom line - a tale I hear more and more in this city.

From The Avalon Front's website;

A situation has been developing for quite a while that has brought us to this decision. To generalize, The Avalon Front was audited, as many businesses are and the findings approach the insane. We believe that we have had our rights and privileges taken away. Once again, it’s a case of David vs. Goliath, which is happening increasingly more often. We have fought as long as we could but it seems that this is the end. Our hope is that there is still a last minute chance that the doors will stay open but it doesn't look good. All things come to pass and it seems now it's The Avalon Front's turn. We are trying to put together an entertaining last week in business and hope that you can share it with us. Keep checking the website for details as they come."

...and this notice from Jamie Greer of The Windsor Scene,

"As some of you may or may not know, The Avalon Front is closing this coming weekend.

Opened 8 years ago, The Avalon Front has become Windsor's premiere indie rockshowcase, bringing in so many bands from around the world to play Windsor. All thosebands that magazines like MOJO, Uncut, Blender, Rolling Stone and more have writtenabout as the future of indie music, have stopped through the Avalon Front.

They have been the Windsor stop for bands such as:The Dears (Montreal), The Besnard Lakes (Montreal), You Say Party! We Say Die! (Vancouver), Young Galaxy (Montreal), Bionic (Montreal), Matt Pond PA (New York), Junior Boys (Hamilton), The Marble Index (Hamilton), Controller:Controller (Toronto), The Organ (Vancouver), The Golden Dogs (Toronto), NOT TO MENTION THE COUNTLESS LOCAL WINDSOR BANDS WHO HAVE GRACED THIS STAGE!

With the recent closing of Sky Lounge as well as last month's folding of UpfrontMagazine, this third hit to the Windsor Music scene is a critical one. The time is NOW for bands to start getting more creative with their venue choices, start examining venues that they may have ignored in the past and start putting on better line-ups - with all the talent available in this city, why are we subject to in adequate show line-ups? Too many times I have seen shows where some amazing bands let friends bands have their first show with them (when they are clearly not ready to be playing live). There is a bubble of bands on the verge of making it, several who are talking to "people"...it's time this city realized if it ignores it's music for much longer, soon you won't see many bands claim to be from Windsor.

They'll all be moving on to other cities who actually SUPPORT their creative members, not shut down the only venues that DO support it (while leaving the over-serving blights that are the booty dance bars).With all that said and done, I encourage ANYONE WHO CLAIMS TO BE A WINDSOR MUSIC FAN to come to the Avalon's closing night on Sunday December 16th. It's time to put your pettiness aside. On this night, put away your "I'm a Phog person" or "I'm a Chubby Pickle person" and realize that for this city's music scene to work, you must be a "Windsor Music person" and see music in ALL venues, not just the one who's bartender knows you and who's door staff lets you in for free (which takes away money from the band anyway, so you're really NOT a music fan). Come and witness the end of an era and let's use this celebration to meet with other musicians andlocal music fans and celebrate the launch of as new era.

Finally, here is a letter from Tony Facchinerri, the owner of The Avalon Front:

"Dear Patrons, Due to circumstance beyond my control, the last night of The Avalon Front will be Sunday, December 16, 2007. I can not justify keeping the doors open, so it is with great sadness, and even greater thanks that I must say goodbye.

The Avalon after all is only four walls, and it is all of you that have made this small bar what it is and all of you that have provided the memories for so many of us.I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the experience of the past eight years. I am very proud of the Avalon and what it has meant to me and to many others over the years. The Avalon has, in my humble opinion, been an oasis in the midst of chaos, hopefully a fitting tribute to its name. Its reputation and staying power is a compliment to all of you.

In my mind, the Avalon has always been about the people. It all began eight years ago with Lira and the boys opening the doors and getting the party started. What a party it has been! I won't ever forget the music, the conversations, and the laughs. I have been privileged to have met many amazing people coming through that big wooden door, and I am honoured to count so many people that I have met at the Avalon friends. I would be remiss if I didn't thank Scott. He has been with me since before the doors even opened and we have been through much together. You are one of a kind White shoe! Also, the music would never have sounded so good without the talent of Adam who got his start at the Avalon. I am sure he will be famous one day.

The staff of the Avalon, past and present, has been like family to me. I am honoured to have worked with so many talented and wonderful people.It has been one hell of a ride. Again, please know that I am proud and grateful for the opportunity to run The Avalon Front. It has been my home for the past eight years. I will miss being here more than I can ever express. But eight is enough.My thanks,

Cheers,

Tony"

With all the city's talk about revitalizing our downtown core, with the steady closing of numerous establishments, it seems that they have yet to fully comprehend the task in front of them.

Either that, or they have alternate plans which run counter to their public statements.

(Courtesy of Darren B, a video tasting of the local talent within the Avalon's "four walls"; The Locusts Have No King, Citywide Vacuum and NOT_digital)