An Era Ends: Mikey's Juke Joint Plays Its Final Set
After 18 years of serving as a cornerstone for Calgary's music community, the iconic Mikey's Juke Joint has officially closed its doors. The final curtain fell on Saturday evening, marking the end of an era for the beloved live music venue that operated for nearly two decades.
Building a Musical Legacy in Calgary
Since its inception in 2007, proprietor Mike Clark dedicated himself to creating a unique space where local musicians could gather and perform. A UBC music graduate and lifelong musician who fronts the Mike Clark Band and has released six albums, Clark built more than just a business.
"Over the years, it built up a really solid community of patrons and musicians, and I think we leave a pretty good legacy after 18 years in the business," Clark reflected. He emphasized that his venue was one of the few in Calgary to host live performers seven days a week, fostering both world-class talent and grassroots beginnings.
"We had some really world-class musicians cross our stage, as well as local grassroots open mics where people could get their feet wet," Clark said. "I think we built a pretty good legacy for our music here in Calgary, and lots of people know what we are all about and what we did."
A Journey Through Multiple Locations
The journey of Mikey's Juke Joint saw it move through several locations before its final chapter in the Bowness neighbourhood. Clark recounted the venue's history, starting in a dilapidated structure before moving to a second location. That second spot was eventually reclaimed for the Alberta Ballet School's renovations on 12th Avenue, prompting the final move to Bowness.
Despite the community's support, the Bowness location could not be sustained. "It was just over a year, but we couldn’t quite make it, so we had to close," Clark stated, concluding a significant chapter for the local music scene.
Clark expressed immense pride in the community he helped build, noting his commitment to fair treatment of musicians. He also shared memorable highlights, such as jamming with the top-notch blues group Tommy Castro and the Painkillers from California, which led to an invitation to play on the Blues Cruise, and hosting European blues artist Anna Popovic.
Reflecting on his 18-year tenure, Clark's sentiment was clear: "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being able to bring music to Calgarians."
