“People love it because it feels like home.”
With a reputation as a more laid-back establishment with a hometown artistic vibe, there are no noisy TVs, and the music will not be too loud. This is by design so people can hear each other talk.
Owners Lindsay Fox and Aaron Grafe jumped at the opportunity to create this social club. “I wanted to be in an art district where people could listen to live music and enjoy art,” Fox said. “I wanted a chance to pair up with the community. This is community-based so we can focus on what locals are doing. It has a very chill, very comfortable vibe. It’s a great place to meet new people and not get drowned out by music.”
Fox also is an artist whose art often adorns the walls on the elongated bar. Last month, the bar conducted an art contest and the seven winners had their art displayed. Fox’s grandfather, Runar Rodell, was known to be among the great American Western artists, so she feels art is in her blood.
Meanwhile, she says the response to Fairweather Social Club has been overwhelming. “People love it because it feels like home.”
The inside capacity is 49, but the back patio adds space for 300 more. Right now, all the bands performing are local, but once the weather gets warmer, she expects larger crowds with bands coming up from the Phoenix area and other parts of the country.
The musical experience is varied, with the local musicians playing New Orleans-style jazz, flamenco, Brazilian and other genres. A DJ plays vinyl records of funk, blues and jazz.
“We’re a nice addition to the downtown,” Fox said. She calls her co-owner a great spirit specialist. “He’s the mastermind behind the cocktails.”
Grafe says people love the Fairweather Social Club because for a while it felt like the downtown was going away. “We’re trying to bring it back. People love it here because it’s unique. This is a social bar where people can strike up a conversation. Locals wanted something new. People can have exceptional drinks in a relaxed, warm atmosphere,” he said.
With the Art Hive and Toyful across the street and Ogs Hogan next door, Grafe says Cortez Street has come alive and is a great place for them. “We’re getting the word out through social media and publications,” he said.
The live music is on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and most weekends. The patio includes a food truck. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Photo by Stan Bindell: Fairweather Social Club owner Lindsay Fox (center) is surrounded by musicians Angela Charissa, Ines Vitols, Fox, Megan Bohrman and Cal Greer.
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