Hillbilly Highway – End times for Times?

by Sheldon Birnie

Well, the Free Press hit music lovers with a dose of bad news last Thursday morning. Unfortunately, I’d only been up for about ten minutes when my day was dumped on when I opened the story headlined “Another downtown icon falls?”

According to the Free Press, the owner of the Fortune Block, where the Times Change(d) resides, has an agreement in place to sell the building. John Scoles told Bartley Kives that he fears the new owner will tear down the Fortune Block to make way for high end residential development. Scoles went on to say that:

“If I had to move out, I can’t imagine recreating what we have and moving all this stuff out of here. I’ve often said, ‘As the building goes, so go I.’ “

Say it ain’t so, John! This is truly heartbreaking stuff. My associate Kent Davies from CKUW asked me about when I saw him later that afternoon.

“You must be devastated,” he said over a pint of St. James Pale. I told him I wasn’t quite there yet, but felt a sickness in my stomach. There is still no word on when, or if development will close the Times. But it seems inevitable. The devastation will come when the doors are truly closed, and not just a dismal spectre of things that might come to pass.

Now, I’ve written here before about the legendary Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club and what it means to me. With luck the doors will stay open for many more moons. But you never can tell. While I’d love to wax on about the memories (and lack thereof) incurred at 234 Main Street over the 6 years I’ve lived in Winnipeg, I’ll let some of the Hillbilly Highway’s more seasoned travellers who I contacted about the story do the talking.

Romi Mayes: “I moved back to Winnipeg 10 years ago and cut my teeth back into the thriving WInnipeg music scene at Times Change(d).  It’s wqhere I met a lot of the musicians that I’ve collaborated with, learned from, been challenged by and inspired by.  I can honestly say I would not be where I’m at in my career right now if it wasn’t for John Scoles, Times Change(d), the musicians and the fans and friends there.
Times isn’t just a bar that serves beer that you can find on any corner in any town, it’s the hub and heart beat of an entire massive music and arts scene.  It’s truly where an entire music scene over many years has been nurtured, supported, encouraged and pushed forward.
As well as its talent development and fortification, it has also brought excitement to our city by bringing world famous acts who don’t play small clubs anymore.  John Scoles has a knack for contacting the untouchables from around the globe and charming them through the front doors of 234 Main Street.  I have seen some of the best world class shows of my entire life in that 85 capacity mojo-filled iconic establishment.  John gets on the megaphone, reminds us all that we’re “ALL GOOD PEOPLE”, honks a bicycle horn when someone rips up a killer solo, and to cap off the night, we’ll toss a rubber chicken into a bucket while listening to ZZ Top or Etta James. And that’s just part of one night at Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club. We always say that touring and going on the road is like rock and roll school.  If that’s the case, then Times Change(d) HIgh and Lonesome Club is the rock and roll Church.”

Tim Hus: “The Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club is an absolute icon of the Canadian prairie roots music scene. The club is to touring Canadian roots musicians what the Montreal Forum or Maple Leaf Gardens was to the Canadian hockey world. I had heard all about the Times long before I ever performed there from traveling musicians all across the land. It was always considered “The” place to perform in Manitoba – so much so that my first time on stage there was a solo opening slot and I took a flight from Calgary to get there in time for the show – really quite remarkable for an opening set at an 85 seat venue. Hopefully the spirit of the venue will continue on – if not in the Fortune block then in a new location.”

Amber Nielsen (Sweet Alibi): “Those who have been going for so long , alas the times are changing… Maybe not for the best but if a little bar on Main street has taught me anything it’s that in the end we are all good people and we must carry on!”

Ryan Boldt (Deep Dark Woods): “It’s a damn shame that they [may be] shutting down. That was our first out of town gig, gonna miss that place and all the friends I’ve made there. Hopefully it doesn’t end there.”

Carly Dow (Bog River): “Times Change(d) is not simply a bar – it is the heartbeat of an entire music scene in Winnipeg. A space so full of character, great music, great people and great food. Whether performing or just catching a show, Times is without a doubt my favourite venue in the city. It would be heartbreaking to lose such an iconic part of Winnipeg’s culture. Spend an evening there and you’ll leave with music in your heart, whiskey in your gut, and a smile on your face.”

As I mentioned above, there is no closing date set in stone. John is still booking shows into the fall, and hopefully beyond. Until then, we’ve got a lot of good times waiting for us down at 234 Main Street. So pull on your boots. Let’s go downtown.

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