On a snowy night on Spadina Ave, VIPs and passers-by gathered on the sidewalk to count down, cheer, and witness the lighting of the new neon palm tree sign at the El Mocambo!
It's been a long four years since eccentric money man and Dragon's Den panellist Michael Wekerle bought the building, business, and iconic neon sign at 464 Spadina. But there's light, figuratively and literally.
On Thursday night before the lights went on, Toronto Mayor, John Tory and Wekerle both said a few excited words. Tory has to see the reborn El Mo as an important part of the city's plans to expand its musical footprint and compete with the likes of Austin, TX for North American music supremacy. For Wekerle it's a chance for the public to start getting excited for the 2019 re-opening of the venue. All of the planning, renovations, deals, and work behind closed doors has been invisible. We know it's being done, but all we really feel is the time since we were last inside the doors.
The Lighting of the New Neon Sign at the El Mocambo, Toronto
After the sign was lit, we went around the block for a VIP get together and heard a few more words from Wekerle. He looked like a rock star in a green suit, with amazing leather shoes to match. He was passionate as he talked about the venue, its history and its future.
His own rockin' life dates back to roadie work as a teen, and now, he's itching to let the roadies in his doors.
During Wekerle's address (and in learning more since), a few things came up that more than caught our attention...
1) The original El Mocambo sign will hang on the iconic second floor of the venue when its reopened.
2) The business has signed a partnership with Ticketmaster. That should be a big step to some great shows coming in.
3) Wekerle and the El Mo have signed 54*40 to El Mocambo Records, and there may be new music coming soon.
4) Marijuana industry giant, Tweed has come onboard and will sponsor the stage on the second floor.
5) It looks like there will be some sort of Bell Media partnership as well.
But maybe most importantly of all, from a Toronto music industry point of view, was Michael Wekerle exclaiming that he wants to be a small part of a big pie, not a big part of a small pie.
Toronto should be a music city. You should be able to go out any night of the week and see live music from acts you know from major media coverage or the radio, as well as up-and-comers, local bands, and altogether unknowns.
And hopefully, with the El Mocambo and a host of other venues available to host these events, music fans will always be able to do just that in the city.
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Everyone knows the legend of the El Mocambo. The Rolling Stones, U2, Elvis Costello, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Cars, The Ramones and more played its stages. Memories have been made, and stories have been told.
After years and dollars and planning and work, we are close to the doors opening to a new edition of the venerable venue.
Until then, we wait.
But for now, at least the lights are back on.
Photo Credits: Trish Cassling
GIF: Joshua Murray
