December 22, 2014
In an act of spiritual and emotional recovery, the residents of Lac-Mégantic have pulled together to rebuild a local café and bar after a train destroyed the establishment and much of the city’s downtown core June 6, 2013.
Since its inception more than ten years ago, Music-Café was a popular live music venue in the small town, catering to locals and tourists alike.
According to CBC The National, the Musi-Café was packed the night of the tragedy, a Friday.
The train derailed around 1:15 am, carrying several tank cars of crude oil, before colliding with several buildings in its path and eventually engulfing the café in a mass fire explosion.
To date, 30 of the 47 confirmed deaths occurred at the Musi-Café.
Across Canada, the music community responded with love and support, including BC singer-songwriter Johnny Maudlin, who wrote “This Little Café (Lac Mégantic)” upon hearing the tragic news.
This Little Café (Lac Megantic) – Johnny Maudlin
Musi-Café owner Yannick Gagne gave CBC News a private tour of the new bar, pointing out the venue’s several unique qualities. The names of the individuals that perished in the building are etched on the music speakers.
True to their namesake, the Musi-Café is a proud establishment for music entertainment. Interior shots of Musi-Café showcase a beautiful high-rise stage, and a series of autographed guitars behind glass cases.
Congratulations to the new #MusiCafe in #LacMegantic Proud to support and contribute to this inspirational project pic.twitter.com/6MAuXz9mVb
— BONE Structure (@BONE_Structure) December 16, 2014
RT@ClaudineRichard: Voici l’intérieur du nouveau Musi-Café. Ouverture 15 déc. #LacMegantic pic.twitter.com/AKYPmgZHrs
— ICI Estrie (@iciestrie) December 8, 2014
The café officially reopened Monday, December 15. It’s rumoured the first show to take place in the new venue will be the night of December 31 featuring Splitsun, a Sherbrooke, Quebec-based band. According to the band’s twitter, they have graced the stage at the former Musi-Café in the past.
In other news…
- Hey Toronto, remember the best concerts this year?
- Halifax Pop Explosion is now looking for 2015 artist submissions.
- Sleater-Kinney release Canadian dates.
- Serious music business in Hamilton.
- Music for darkness.
- No, Drake is not responsible for new dino wear.
- Moncton steps-up their game.
- Metric does GoldieBlox.
Leyland Bradley
– Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Get at me @LeylandMarie or leyland.bradley@gmail.com.