Maxx Fish, the Top-40 dance club/live music venue downstairs from sister restaurants/watering holes The Amsterdam Pub and Cafe, La Bocca and La Brasserie des Artistes will close permanently following a Last Call party this Saturday night.
The space will undergo extensive renovations with the intention of reopening again in the fall as a more "functional" room geared toward private parties and special events, said manager Don Guthro.
The beleaguered club was closed for much of last fall during renovations to the bar/restaurant cluster’s keg and liquor storage room.
Prior to closing the club had established its niche in the local music scene as a venue for rap and hip-hop, much to owner Norbert Roche’s chagrin.
Previous management tried to distance the club from its rap/hip-hop reputation when it reopened last December, playing Top 40 music on weekends, booking live bands and hosting theme parties, nouveau-burlesque shows, and dating games.
Despite efforts, the club never really found its new niche.
Before becoming Maxx Fish the space was previously occupied by Garfinkel’s. Prior to Garfinkel’s the space was operated as Club 10 by former Whistler residents J.J. and Simone Aaron.
In addition to the transformation of the basement, Guthro said upstairs restaurant La Bocca is to receive an image update by the end of the month.
The restaurant will become a tapas, martini and wine bar. Thursday’s Liquid Jazz live music night is to continue.
Doors for Maxx Fish’s last call party this Saturday evening will open to the public at 9 p.m.
