So long, Henotic

Well, the old Lethbridge Fire Hall #1 curse has not yet been lifted, as I just got word that Henotic will be closing its doors after Mammoth Cave Fest is over. Hit the jump to read a message from Henotic’s owner, Jason.

So yes, this is it. After Mammoth Cave Fest on May 2nd Henotic will be closing it’s doors forever.

I’m not really sure how to put all this into words right now but I’ll give it a shot. If it sounds like babble please try to decipher as best as possible.

It’s been an amazing year and a half, one of the most amazing 1.5 annums that I’ve ever had. I’ve met some of the most beautiful people and seen and heard some of the most beautiful music. It really doesn’t get any better than that. Henotic to me was everything that I had in my head when I set out to make this all happen. It was pretty much exacactly how I had envisioned it. Artists, musicians and the people that needed all of it in their lives all coming together to make something great. My vision was to give everyone a place where thay could share thier ideas, music and everything in between and to always make people feel that anything they wanted to contribute was welcome. And no matter what, whoever you wanted to be, whoever you where or are, that you were always accepted into our door with no questions asked. I really think that we succeeded in that.

When I share my vision I have to make clear that a key part of the vision was you. Henotic would never be anything near what it was with out all of you. Every single person that came through the doors made it what it was, and thats why it was so beautiful to me.

Saying that, one of the biggest regrets I have in closing is that will be gone for the people that love it. I’m sorry. I feel like I let you down. But rest assured, I don’t think that my time in this city is done. My passion is music, it always has been. I love putting on shows and events and above all, blowing peoples minds. If the future permits, I hope to do that again.

So why are we closing might be your biggest question. Thats a tough one. There are many reasons. Money is always tight but its not the biggest. I feel like my time is with Henotic is done. Its taken a toll on my health, my family life, and of course my mind. I’m ready to move on and I can assure you that I am completely fine with that. I know that I have a lot to offer the world and that makes me happier than anything.

I can’t close off this message without thanking everyone close to me that have been just as big a part of Henotic being what it is as I was. All my staff. Mel, my chef and closest friend of course. Amanda, Todd, Steven, MJ, and all the awesome individuals that are to many to list that have been there from the start. I know I’ll forget someone but you know I love you. My friends, the best that I’ve ever met. I won’t list you because you are many and I don’t want to piss anyone off by missing them. My Mom, my Dad. Of course all of the artists that have contributed to our walls at one time or another, starting with the Burning Ground Studios. All of the amazing bands that have come through our doors. Touring bands are a breed unto themselves and deserve our respect for doing what they do. All that local bands. This city kicks fucking ass (pardon mon francais) and they are some of the best in the country. Be proud of them. They also deserve it. To the person reading this, thank you. Most of all I want to thank my son Caden for always keeping me grounded and showing me that the things that I might think are hugely important and I stress about, sometimes arent really that important at all. (Maisey you did a really good job in showing me that too, thank you.)

So thats it, thats all I got. Support local music. Support local art. And if you don’t want to eat all of your food out of a bag heated in a microwave when you go to a restaurant or listen to canned music everytime you go out. Support small business in this city. They need it.

Jason

Thanks, Jason and Henotic, for bringing some great bands for Lethbridge. You gave us a kickass alternative to The Slice, and lots of memories too!

Jonny

I’m a webslinger located in Lethbridge, AB. I love all things nerdy, like cartoons and videogames, and am also a bit of a foodie. When I travel, I always keep my eyes out for hot springs and great places to adventure with my wife, Melissa.