More live music is coming to Downtown Roanoke. Opening this Spring, the Spot on Kirk will seek to bring people together, drive tourism in our region and create a more vibrant and livable area.Not-for-profit organization Down by Downtown, which focuses on growing Roanoke’s live-music scene, will take over the lease of the space at 22 Kirk Avenue in February. In March, Crossings Christian Church will make 22 Kirk their anchor location, holding services every Sunday morning.
Music fans are familiar with the site, as it once held The Kirk Avenue Music Hall. Down by Downtown, music promoters, and other volunteers will work together to revive the venue’s reputation as the region’s premiere listening room.
“There’s been a gap in our city,” said Bruce C. Bryan, president of Down by Downtown. “The old music hall was a magical place and, as an involved part of our community, I frequently hear how much people miss it.”
A wide array of musical acts will be booked at the Spot on Kirk, which seats as many as 130 people: Americana, folk, singer-songwriter, jazz, R&B, and more. In addition to live music, the community will have access to the space for other influential events. Organizers hope to see everything from poetry readings to lectures, documentary showings to receptions booked at the Spot on Kirk.
Bryan believes The Spot on Kirk will help fuel Roanoke’s local economy. “With music fans traveling to the valley for events, nearby hotels, restaurants, and retail stores will see a boost in business. Strengthening the live music scene that already exists will also attract more young professionals to live and work in the area. . . . We want to recreate the best of what once existed in that space,” said Bryan, “We believe the venue will be sustainable and the impact on the surrounding area will be positive.”
The Spot is now booking live musical acts for the Spring. For more information about the venue, visit www.theSpotonKirk.org.
