PORT TOWNSEND — A popular live-music venue will close Sunday for renovations, but the stage won’t be dark for very long.
“Things have changed every two or three days, but we hope we will be open on June 21,” said The Upstage Restaurant and Bistro owner Mark Cole.
The renovation of the 923 Washington St. restaurant is part of a property shuffle brought about after the closure of the Undertown, which was in the alley adjacent to The Upstage.
Dave Peterson, who owns the Terry Building where The Upstage is located, closed the Undertown in December with the intention of reopening in the spring but found the renovation cost-prohibitive.
He decided to open a new restaurant in the space above The Upstage that was occupied by two businesses — Bazaar Girls and the Candle Shop — which he evicted May 31, but he has not disclosed any specific plans about a new venture.
Peterson said in a statement that The Upstage will be closed for two weeks “to allow for a much-needed upgrade to the hood system in the kitchen.”
“Besides better protecting the Terry Building from fire loss, the new system will allow The Upstage to expand its menu offerings,” the statement said.
“These improvements are part of a long-term plan to preserve the Terry Building and enhance the success of the businesses in the building,” Peterson’s statement said.
Cole said the new kitchen will allow him to serve food “that is healthier and more sustainable,” and could lead to it opening for lunch in the future.
On Wednesday, Cole and his staff were moving the kitchen supplies into a storage locker.
He said the completion date for the job won’t be certain until “we get that big stove out of here.”
If it takes longer than expected, he may present some shows at the Cotton Building, 607 Water St., which he would rent from the city for that purpose.
The Upstage has a 160-person capacity, while the Cotton Building holds about 100, which will fit short-term needs, Cole said.
The Upstage isn’t the only place to hear live music in town.
The Uptown Pub, 1016 Lawrence St.; Sirens, 823 Water St.; and the Highway 20 Road House, 2152 West Sims Way, are other local performance venues.
Cole said live music is an important part of the local culture and the economy.
“Nothing compares with the thrill of live entertainment, and playing [The Upstage] is a lot different than playing anywhere else,” he said.
“A musician may get more money for playing in an amphitheater, but they like to play here better,” he said.
“They don’t have to be loud and have better communication with the audience and other musicians.
“Performers can use this stage to improve their skills, and a lot of our acts draw people into town, which contributes to the economy.”
Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
