Ravens Lounge closes its doors.
When it rains, it pours - And for the EDM community in Wisconsin, January has been a rainy month.
Late last evening, Myra and I were informed that the doors were closed at Ravens Lounge in Appleton, I waited until today to make the announcement to be certain that those who were schedule to come play in the coming weeks were informed first.
In my experience, many times when a club closes there is a lot of finger pointing and blaming - but those feelings are nonexistent in this case. Donna and Mike worked so hard with us over the last few years to foster a home for good dance music in Appleton, but unfortunately attempting to fill a club in the face of a local smoking ban proved far more difficult than any of us could have expected. When people can quite literally drive an extra half mile to be in an establishment where they can smoke - the allure of being out "downtown" in a city like Appleton is almost instantly lost. Seeing the number of bars, clubs, and lounges that have closed in the last year and a half has been a staggering experience.
Rather than dwell on how much it hurts to lose what was effectively our "home base," I choose to smile on just how much fun I had over the last year. Apologies if this post seems a bit "emo" or melancholy, but even in the face of the unexpected closing, when I reflect on the past year at Ravens I can't help but be overcome with happiness at the memories and friends I've gained due to our time there.
From Myra's very first gig to the BBQ this summer, we had some amazing times at this place - and I'm truly sad to see it go. Those of you who know me, know that I thrive the time I get to spend on the decks - it's part of what keeps me sane during the stress of school. Ravens was a place I could quite literally let it all out, dance like a fool, and not have to worry about impressing anyone - it was about taking chances, good music, good friends, and great times. And though I'm sure this will by no means be the end of Turner & Romano gigs, it will definitely sting not to have that one monthly trip home to bank on.
In closing, I want to apologize to those of you I had booked to come play - Myra and I were unbelievably excited to play with Bobby (bringing our drunken living room DJ shenanigans to a club was something I couldn't wait for!) and have Seneca up here, and knowing just how much Seneca simply loves to play (a trip to Appleton from Chicago, basically for free? No one who didn't absolutely LOVE what they do would ever do such a thing!), I really hope he's able to pick up a gig to replace this one. Further, I want to apologize to those of you I've contacted about coming up in the next couple months - I was so excited to get the Hamptons back, and to keep trying to get MWTA talent up to my neck of the woods. I'm sure you'll all understand - I just wish things could have gone differently.
I'm reminded of the Neil Young quote I've got tattooed on my back:
"It's better to burn out, than to fade away."
Truer words may never have been spoken. Though the physical place is gone - the memories will never fade.
Cheers,
Rob
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i need to leave Wisconsin!
