As I walk up to Cheer Up Charlie’s on Friday night, I’m at once astounded by the line, which snakes back from the venue’s gate and down Red River. For the past couple of years, I’ve watched in agony as Cheer Up Charlie’s has been forced to put up with some ridiculous constraints. When the venue announced that they would be closing, my already aching heart broke in half. And yet, it seems like it’s always when things seem the most bleak that a glorious rebirth is possible. Club DeVille shut their doors and vacated the property due to unpaid rent, affording a wonderful opportunity to Cheer Up Charlie’s.
But it’s not just Cheer Up’s that benefits from the new move–all of Austin has a lot to look forward to. During its time on East 6th Street, Cheer Up’s meant an incredible amount to the musicians who played there and the patrons who frequented the bar. Despite the small indoor capacity and east-of-downtown locale, some of the most memorable shows I’ve seen have occurred in the venue’s tiny indoor room. The energy was always in full force, and the band and fans the space accommodated provided a forum for an oft-underrepresented group. Exciting young bands of all kinds played there, and true music fans showed up. It was a place of musical and cultural welcoming, a hallowed ground of complete equality.
Now, with a new downtown space, Cheer Up Charlie’s is poised to bring all of the love and excitement they shared on East 6th back to the once-burgeoning Red River. Their opening packed-house weekend with diverse acts such as Whiite Walls, Nakia, Riders Against the Storm, Big Bill, and Mom Jeans showcases everything they’ve stood for. We’ve all missed Emo’s old location ever since they vacated, but the installation of Cheer Up’s feels like a huge victory for Austin music-lovers. In the past few years, it has truly felt like voices of the music community are pulling together to make actionable change, and Austin Music People’s efforts to christen the Red River Cultural District deserve applause.
Cheer Up Charlie’s Co-owner Maggie Lea
In case you’re wondering, because you couldn’t get into the packed club on Friday, the new Cheer Up’s has given the space an awesome overhaul with great wall art. Outside, of course, the trademark parachute still flutters over congregated music fans as Cheer Up Charlies’ logo glows in light against the cliff that sits behind the outdoor stage. We’re ecstatic for owners Tamara Hoover and Maggie Lea and happy, too, for Austin for the many great shows that are sure to come.
All images © Bryan Parker & Pop Press International. Click any image to open in slideshow viewer.
