The Backstage Nightclub Is Closing July 15

The Backstage nightclub, one of Seattle's most venerable entertainment spots for 12 years, is closing its doors for good July 15, general manager Craig Osbun said yesterday.

The Ballard club, which had been seeking a hard-liquor license to stay competitive with other live-music venues, was informed by the state Liquor Control Board that the license would take effect in 20 days.

But it's too little, too late, Osbun said.

"I'm so burned out, I can't do this anymore," he said. "It (operating a nightclub) was just too frustrating."

The club had been trying to get the license for eight months and had made several changes to qualify for it, including upgrading its kitchen and revising its floor plan. On top of that, the club also faced losing its lease in September. Building owner Lowen Clausen had indicated he did not want to lease the Backstage's space to another restaurant or nightclub, Osbun said.

The building, in the 2200 block of Northwest Market Street, is home to several businesses including Lombardi's restaurant.

Interestingly, it was Clausen who started the Backstage 12 years ago, before selling it to former owner Ed Beeson. Clausen could not be reached for comment.

Osbun, who took over the club last year, said it would be easier and cheaper to pull out of the lease before September. He had no immediate plans to move the club to another venue.

The club's last show July 15 will feature folk singer Rex

Sexsmith.

The news that the Backstage is closing came only two days after another popular Seattle rock club, Moe's Mo'Roc'N Cafe, shut its doors. Moe's held its last show Tuesday night, 3 1/2 years after opening at East Pike Street and 10th Avenue on Capitol Hill. A dance-music club is replacing Moe's in the fall.

The two closings leave a larger hole in the local live-music business. Fortunately for clubgoers, several new rooms will probably be opening soon that should take up the slack. Hush-hush negotiations are under way for a new live-music room in Belltown that is larger than Moe's and the Backstage combined. Expect an announcement soon.

Even so, the Backstage will be missed. Over the years the room has introduced many fledging stars including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tori Amos and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, to name just a few. And Jerry Jeff Walker has practically made it his home.

The Backstage always featured mix-and-match acts. You could always expect to see some rock, world music, reggae and, of course, folk.

It's doubtful there will be another local club like it.