One of the most popular nights out in Edinburgh, Jazz Bar, shocked everyone when it announced its sudden closure in April. With many students saddened by the news, it was even more of a shock when it announced its re-opening at the beginning of July. Jazz Bar was known as a low-key relaxed night out where you could listen to covers of Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker or hear a brand new student musician singing their original songs. Located on Chambers Street, it was famously good fun, until the business shut down due to the cost of living and “operational issues”.
During the bleak months when Jazz Bar had closed its doors, behind the scene conversations were taking place to get the venue back on its feet. These conversations were led by the former manager Nick Mushlin and his wife Justyna, who were considering reopening Jazz Bar under a new business model, as a Community Interest Company (CIC). This means the business exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders, which allows the Jazz Bar to claim VAT exemption on tickets and a 75% rebate on business rates, so it can re-open with fewer worries about the cost of running.
Some are concerned that the business may face challenges becoming a CIC. When a business operates as such, it must undergo CIC regulation, which can become a problem if the board does not see it fulfilling the role of a community interest company. A CIC also does not operate for any private profit meaning shareholders are only able to reinvest it back into the business. However, Jazz Bar will not face any major changes, staff will still be paid and the opening hours, alcohol licence and music performances will stay the same.
The Student spoke to Jacob Bavetta, President of Jazz Society, who was delighted that the Jazz Bar was able to re-open.
He said, “I think the Jazz Bar has a vital role for the Edinburgh music community, both for professional musicians and amateurs” He continued, “The free entry helps us introduce Jazz Bar to a wider audience. I think for any musician, having the opportunity to play there feels like a big achievement”
When asked about the support they had given to the bar, Bavetta responded: “We made sure to support their crowdfunding out of our budget, like Swing Dance Society did as well. It would have been a massive blow in the long term had it not re-opened. It is not just a single venue you lose, but that real hub of community.”
Thanks to the creation of this club in 2005 by musician Bill Kyle, Jazz Bar has helped nurture a home for budding musicians and old lovers of jazz, something which many cherish as a third space away from their work or education and their home. The bar serves as a social spot where people who feel passionate about jazz but struggle to find others similarly interested can connect with people, who they may have never found otherwise.
With the support of multiple societies from the university, the Jazz Bar has been able to start performing daytime gigs and opening up their music to a wider range of audience.
When asked about the support they received the owners Nick and Justyna happily reported that the “phone had been ringing non-stop, with people rooting for this to work. The support has been amazing.”
The home that Jazz bar has been able to give thousands, locals and tourists alike, is something that could not be replicated. When they closed, many argued that there would never be another club quite like it and whilst some tried to find alternatives, most just wanted the Jazz Bar to return.
With other third spaces like Summerhall being threatened with closure, many were wondering if this was the end of these types of social spaces, and if the economy could no longer support venues that offered music, theatre, poetry and that were not driven by profit. Thankfully, Edinburgh has seen a turn around. With the saving of Summerhall and the re-opening of the Jazz Bar, people are hopeful that with their support these spaces can continue to grow.
Image via Ruth Cullen.