Waldorf and Rickshaw set sights on Fox Cinema for new live music venue

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      The superbly-frenetic minds behind Waldorf Productions and the Rickshaw Theatre have teamed up to transform Vancouver’s last remaining porn theater into a new live music venue.

      “We just got the lease on Fox Cinema on Broadway and Main Street,” said an excited David Duprey, owner of the Rickshaw. “We have the lease. It happened yesterday.”

      In a telephone interview, Duprey said that with the agreement signed for five years, the next step is a liquor license and other permits that are needed to open a new space intended for live music.

      “And cleaning the place out,” he added. “It’s a little skanky in there, to say the least. So we have to go in there and burn everything.”

      Duprey said that he hopes to see people dancing in the new venue by the fall, but that a timeline for the project’s launch is entirely dependent on when the group can secure a new liquor license. He noted that it took him 15 months to get the Rickshaw serving drinks.

      “So it is kind of up to the powers that be – the man,” Durpey said.

      Danny Fazio, co-owner of Waldorf Productions, matched Duprey’s enthusiasm for the joint-venture. Though he cautioned that the team has yet to hold a creative meeting to begin deciding exactly what direction the club will take.

      “We know that we would like to continue the type of programming that we did at the Waldorf,” he said in a separate interview. “But it is definitely a different type of space. So we’re not sure what’s going to happen there.”

      The name of the venue will change, but not by much, Fazio continued. Fox Cinema will become Fox Cabaret.

      The Rickshaw has proven itself a unique addition to Vancouver’s nightlife by hosting one-of-a-kind events such as an August 2010 show by L.A. punk supergroup OFF! that delivered a wild mix of tattoos, rum, and noise. Waldorf Productions gained the affection of the city’s music and arts scene through innovate and diverse events hosted at the Waldorf Hotel on East Hastings Street. The production company ceased operations there on January 20, 2013.

      Fazio said that until the new space at Fox is ready for the public, Waldorf Productions is keeping busy.

      The popular Food Cart Fest will happen again this summer. The team will be helping out with the programming for this year’s Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival. 

      “We are also continuing to look for a larger multimedia space,” Fazio added. “We would love to do a big project in a warehouse or something more like that that is more in line with the Waldorf.”

      For a tease of what we hope Vancouver can expect from Fox Cabaret, read “Fearless lunacy characterized the Waldorf,” by the Straight’s Adrian Mack.

      You can follow Travis Lupick on Twitter at twitter.com/tlupick.

      Comments

      13 Comments

      HM

      Mar 13, 2013 at 8:28pm

      Now all we need is Ron Jeremy to grace the joint with his presence and a signed photo and all will come full circle.

      Von Loewen

      Mar 13, 2013 at 9:08pm

      I have 20 years experience as a house painter/wood refinisher. Let's get a group of volunteers to bitch slap that interior into shape!

      Jonathan

      Mar 13, 2013 at 9:31pm

      Are you going to finish writing this article any time soon?

      gunner

      Mar 13, 2013 at 9:47pm

      not sure how this can be financially viable. Can you imagine how much they are going to have to spend on Jizz mopping?

      Nel

      Mar 13, 2013 at 9:59pm

      Hazmat Suits !

      criminal cinema

      Mar 13, 2013 at 10:07pm

      jesus christ people it's just semen, toughen up

      Rhubarb Pie

      Mar 14, 2013 at 8:24am

      Cool. Maybe they will pay their rent this time and not try to guilt the city into saving them!

      Hopeful

      Mar 14, 2013 at 10:22am

      Hopefully w/ Duprey in the mix, it won't follow the same exclusivity, arrogance & popularity contest towards bands & promoters as the Waldorf portrayed.

      Hazlit

      Mar 14, 2013 at 3:05pm

      Another live music venue? I think I liked it better as a porn theatre. How about a real movie theatre instead!

      Cinephile

      Mar 14, 2013 at 3:53pm

      So, is it closed now or is there still a chance to see some films at the Fox? Anyone know of a closing date?