Long established as the home of live music in Fredericton, New Brunswick, The CAP has been provided a crucial platform for local artists, a touring destination, and the source of a lot of good times.
Despite the support the venue has seen from the community to eke out a successful summer, hosting several reduced-capacity shows from the venue’s patio and parking lot, there are concerns the winter months and the need to move indoors will be disastrous. That is, at least without making some significant alterations.
The CAP has put out a call for help with their #KEEPITLIVE Project, a fundraising initiative for a long-term investment in infrastructure that will allow fans to enjoy live, indoor music, during the era of COVID-19.
Earlier this year, in the happy, carefree days before the pandemic, The CAP optimistically launched into a rebrand themselves (previously known as The Capital Complex), started an on-site small-batch brewery, and began selling records. It was a massive shift that incorporated everything we love about the music industry, just shy of adopting a recording studio.
Then the world changed, and we’re pretty sure you already know that story.
The Canadian Independent Venue Coalition estimates that more than 90% of Canadian independent venues are at risk of closing during the global pandemic.
Limiting gathering to just a handful of people, even within the relative safety of the Atlantic Canadian Bubble, means that indoor shows will be subjected to reduced numbers even if they do manage to re-invent the wheel.
“With public health guidelines and social distancing, the small intimate vibe we’ve enjoyed for twenty years is no longer possible,” says Zach Atkinson, The CAP’s Owner/Operator. “At best, we can bring in 40-50% of last year’s revenue, due to limited capacity and increased costs of operation.”
To offset that increased cost of operation and make things safer for people in attendance, The CAP has called upon supporters to help make some adjustments.
The fundraiser aims to cover the cost of new glare-resistant glass, lighting, microphones, soundboard, text-to-order tablets, and live streaming equipment, all designed to maximize the space available, while making the experience as safe as possible for patrons.
The total goal amount for the fundraiser is $21,000. The CAP have incentivized monthly donations with CAP merch, in-store discounts, growler fills, and more.
“The foundation of our business, through its twenty-year history, is supporting the local music and creative scene,” said Atkinson. “I cut my teeth working at The CAP when I was young. Some of the best moments in my life have happened here, or because of this venue, and I know I’m far from the only person in our community who feels that way. Project #KEEPITLIVE will preserve those memories and sustain the CAP, so that the next generation gets to make their own memories here as well.
“With your help, we’ll continue building The CAP into more than just a bar,” said Atkinson. “COVID-19 is not without its challenges, but Project #KEEPITLIVE is an opportunity to build something better than before.”
If you’d like to donate to The CAP’s #KEEPITLIVE Program, visit their GoFundMe page and get yourself some CAP merch.