The oldest independent music venue in Portland needs your help. The Laurelthirst has been a bar since the end of Prohibition, opening in 1935. Since 1988, under the stewardship of the current ownership group, the bar has gone through several changes to convert it into the music destination it is today, including a name change to its current name. The owners were made several offers by investors over the years who were seeking to redevelop the land into condos, and resisted, knowing they were waiting for a group who would continue the legacy of the original building.
They now have that group. Nick Zerr, Brandon Logan, Bart Yanoch, and Lewi Longmire have purchased the business. However, they must now purchase the building itself. That’s where you come in. They’ve started a GoFundMe page to raise $135,000 to save The Laurelthirst.
There’s not much left to raise. As of today, there are only a few thousand dollars to go to save the venue. And the Portland Tribune recently reported that there was an anonymous donation of $50,o00 that no doubt helped the fundraiser make the final sprint to the end.
On the GoFundMe page, you’ll find perks for helping save The Laurelthirst, everything from guitar lessons with Tate Peterson, to t-shirts, to framed prints of the LT, to private shows with your favorite local bands, to free shows for life!
Every week the Laurelthirst offers 16 live music shows with one during their happy hour at 6 PM and a late show at 9 PM. There are also occasional brunch shows over the weekends open to all ages. If you’re a fan of bluegrass, folk, old-time, gypsy jazz, or Americana, you’re probably already familiar with this venue.
Let’s help save this landmark and keep the local venue pumping out the tunes.
