JORDAN BUDD
Staff Writer
The local Fredonia house venue, The North Pole Strip Club (NPSC) has been chugging along this semester with four shows under their belt already.
On March 6, in between the venue’s second and third show of the year, the entity took to its social media to announce that the North Pole Strip Club will not be continuing shows after this semester. For some this announcement was no surprise, as the unfortunate, but inevitable news was beginning to spread within the scene.
Once a fraternity house and now a DIY house venue, the building has taken quite a beating over the years. Holes are prevalent within the foundation, leading to chilly air leaking into the basement during the winter months. The house has been inhabited by many bands over its six or so year run time, including Kill the Clock, Northern State and Eerie Shores. The current residents, The Weather Might Say Otherwise, along with their manager, Dan Doyle, believe that now is the time for the space to go to rest.
Doyle had this to say about why they are choosing to discontinue shows at NPSC:
“It’s been a very tough decision due to the impact it’s had on not only me and my life but the live music scene here. Truthfully it’s tough to try and put anyone in a position to continue a full slate of shows under the current conditions of the house, so passing it down has been a tough idea for me.”
Doyle continued, “Although that shouldn’t be taken as a negative, plenty of people have suggested they may do a house venue in the future, so in my opinion if the scene wants a DIY venue, [someone will] make it happen. I’m so excited to see what comes of this in the future and what exciting new places pop up. If anyone out there is struggling with the idea of putting on shows or doesn’t quite know where to start, I’d love to help/give advice to anyone thinking of this!”
Doyle continued by explaining what the house has meant to him and the scene:
“[NPSC means] everything [to me], maybe a little too much sometimes. I feel like I’ve lived here forever, honestly. Since before I was even at Fredonia, I was looking in from the outside — one day hoping to put on shows here and mostly try to give back as much joy to people as these shows have brought me over the years.”
– Dan Doyle
Doyle also spoke about the impact the pandemic had on NPSC. “Covid may have robbed the scene a year or two of shows, but seeing how strong everyone in the scene’s passion for live/local music is truly inspiring. When out of town bands come to play, they always comment on how wholesome and supportive our community is, and I couldn’t be more thankful for everyone involved.”
Doyle, The Weather Might Say Otherwise and each of the other bands have done their part in holding down the iconic house venue and creating an ambitiously fun safe space for countless music lovers, touring musicians and local acts alike. In my opinion, the house and its residents should be commended for their commitment to providing a platform for an array of artists and upholding an important aspect of the music community within Fredonia and the Buffalo area at large. They’ve made a conscious attempt to have the backs of both the bands who’ve been booked and the never ending list of people they have invited into their home.
The unparalleled family-like vibe and caring atmosphere have been key to the venue’s success and influence over the years within Fredonia. Above all, the house has allowed people to enjoy music together, sing, dance and most importantly, be themselves. Throughout its course, many have come to a show and left in a better mood, knowing one way or another it’d be a must for them to return to NPSC.
Along with providing a supportive environment for concert-goers, the house has also forged valuable connections, lifelong friendships, beneficial experience and irreplaceable memories for musicians, photographers, writers, managers, podcasters and many other occupations alike.
As Doyle mentioned, it is the hope of many that the upcoming extinction of NPSC will not hurt the supply for live music in Fredonia, but only open up the market for more house venues in the following years to meet that insatiable demand.
R.I.P. to The North Pole Strip Club; its legacy and undeniable influence in the Fredonia scene will live on.