Hugh's Room Live

About

Hughs Room, Toronto's beloved acoustic music club, will re-open as a not-for-profit community based organization if fundraising is successful!

Story

Hugh's Room, Toronto's beloved acoustic music club, closed its doors suddenly and unexpectedly in January 2017 after 16 years of operation.

There was an immediate and overwhelming response to this potential loss to the musical community, with substantial coverage in the local and national media (Toronto Star, Globe & Mail, Toronto Sun, Now, Exclaim, National Post, Jazz-FM, CBC, CTV, Global, insidetoronto.com, WholeNote, and many others).

Many members of the music community and public have asked how they could help to save or revive their beloved Hugh's Room.

In response, a working group of volunteers assembled and has developed a viable plan for re-opening Hugh's Room as a not-for-profit organization. The group includes lawyers, business people, accountants, music promoters, publicists, venue operators and members of the community (members are listed below). Grit Laskin has been named spokesperson for the working group.

The group has determined that Hugh's Room can clearly sustain itself financially going forward. With the right infrastructure and community support, the legacy of Hugh's Room can be continued. Toronto can continue to have a destination venue that presents the genres, variety and high quality of music that Hugh's Room is renowned for across the continent.

What’s the plan?
A new community based not-for-profit organization has incorporated and will open the new club as Hugh's Room Live.



Fundraising goal is $250,000 with the first $30,000 required by February 20, THIS BENCHMARK HAS BEEN MET.

Another $45,000 by March 5.

THIS GOAL HAS BEEN MET !

Another $50,00 by April 15

PLEASE DONATE NOW TO HELP US MEET THIS GOAL.


Please show your support and make your donation as early as possible to ensure Hugh's Room can re-open.

Who is involved ?
The working group came together informally, in response to the news of Hugh’s Room’s closing. All are fans of Hugh’s Room, and wanted to explore how it could re‑open as a community‑owned venture. It includes:

Jeremy Darby, owner Canterbury Music Co (recording studio)

Howard Gladstone, businessman, musician, co-founder Toronto City Roots Festival 2004-2010

Jane Harbury, freelance publicist, has worked for Hugh's Room for many years

Brian Iler, lawyer, chair Northwinds Folk Festival (1984/85), engaged with many community initiatives

Grit Laskin, musician, luthier, member Order of Canada, spokesperson for the Hugh's Room working committee

Judith Laskin, retired educator, founding board member CFMA, director The Woods Music & Dance Camp, past board member Mariposa Folk Festival under Estelle Klein

Brian Litvin, accountant and musician

Franks Saunders, businessman, involved with presentation and production of folk events

Rob Young, advertising executive and musician


How was the fundraising goal set?

The fundraising goal was established after an analysis of the previous operation. Our conclusion was that the club is financially viable, but operated in a cash deficit position. The fundraising goal is considered adequate to ensure the financial stability of the new club. Necessary allocations of the funds include: purchasing the assets, securing a lease from the property owner, providing working cash for the operation, and providing a financial buffer.

What about financial transparency?

As a not-for-profit community-based operation, Hugh’s Room for the Performing Arts will release its budgets and financial statements.


What about people who bought tickets to cancelled shows?

The working group is acutely aware of the financial fallout from the cancelled shows, for both audience and artists alike. Patrons contact your credit card company for a refund after the show date has passed.

What about the former employees of the old Hugh's Room?

The new organization (Hugh's Room for the Performing Arts) is committed to re-opening the club as soon as possible. Doing that is the best way to assist employees who have been hurt by the closure. Our plan is to re-hire as many of them as we can, as soon as we can. Most former employees have expressed interest in returning. The original general manager Anthony Ferrando is returning.