By Pete McIntyre

End of the line for live music venue

Sep 26, 2019 | 5:40 AM

Lorne Costley says it’s been a “hell of a ride” that he’s enjoyed every minute of — but it’s time to try something new.

Costley has decided to close down Lorenzo’s Cafe, a live music venue in a former school house that he’s been operating for 24 years, at a site nine kilometres east of Enderby.

“I love it out here. It’s a very lush environment, out of the way. We’ve got an old school house with 11 gables on the roof and high peaked roofs and a 30-foot ceiling, wood from Lumby’s bowling alley that I’ve used for my dance floor and dining area. It’s got great acoustics and it’s quite an interesting place,” Costly told Vernon Matters.

Costley admits business is not always brisk, which he attributes partly to “people sitting at home watching Netflix,” rather than going out to live events, especially in his rural area.

“I’m sometimes busy and sometimes not, because it’s out in the woods which is wonderful. People love getting out here, but it’s not so easy getting back home. There is not even a taxi service late at night even into Enderby,” he said.

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He plans to close it down after four more shows.

“I’ve been doing it for a long time and it’s time to do something else. It’s been a hell of a ride and I’ve enjoyed every minute; it’s been great fun. I’ve had some unbelievable music. I had a festival in my 10th anniversary in 2006. We had Powder Blues as a headliner with close to 2,000 people in the school ground fields where the stage was.”

Costley estimates having over 1,000 bands play there over 24 years, and over time he met thousands of people.

“It’s been totally a blast. A lot of first class music. “I designed it, built it, and been running it. It’s been a great adventure,” he said.

He has had it up for sale and had interest, but no serious offers.

“You can dream about it, but actually doing it is another story. Lots of work. You got to have a vision for it and a taste for music, and enjoy the lifestyle,” he said.

Costley describes himself this way: “I’m a very wealthy man in lifestyle—I just don’t have a lot of money.”

The final four events start this Friday with Guitar You Experience, followed by a sold-out show on Oct. 11 with Daniel Champagne, Oct. 13 with the Michael Charles blues band from England, and wrapping up with the Legendary Lake Monsters on Oct. 26 for a Halloween party.

“It (final show) will be bittersweet, but I’ve had a great run and the whole experience has been really wonderful,” Costley said.

Lorenzo’s Cafe (submitted photo)

by Pete McIntyre

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