One Door Closes
East Austin music venue shuts doors permanently due to pandemic
Over the weekend, the pandemic shut the door on another long-time music venue. In a Facebook post on Friday, September 11, the North Door announced it would be closing permanently, citing the “dark times” of the pandemic.
Established in 2008, the Brushy Street lounge over the years became an Austin staple due to its lineup of live music and community and creative events. It was also the home of excellent taco window Pueblo Viejo.
“To our DEDICATED and LOYAL staff, clients, and patrons; You are the lifeblood of the The North Door,” the post reads. “Without your continued support throughout, we would have never come this far. So, THANK YOU for all of your support over the years, we really could not have done it without you.”
The post says the goal for the venue was to create "an atmosphere where people are allowed to be themselves and where they can feel at home." It recalled Game of Thrones screenings, New Years Eve parties, laugh riots over Bedpost Confessions, and Peligrosa performances every third Friday.
“We will never forget the relationships that were created, and we will treasure them always,” it reads. “If we could list every single person who helped us succeed over the years, we would never finish this post. Hopefully, you know who you are.”
A survey released in July by the University of Houston predicted that a majority of local music venues would close prematurely due to the pandemic by this fall. The industry is one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 crisis, which prompted mass closures and layoffs and also hurt vendors.
One unnamed survey subject went even further, telling UH researchers: “I think there’s a real risk of losing 90 percent of the independent music venues in Austin within the next few months.”
But there might be a silver lining, at least in the North Door’s case. According to the post, the North Door will be back at some point under a new name and potentially in a new location.
North Door hasn’t responded to a request for more information on the new venture and when we might expect it. We will update this story with any additional information.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri