The wait to return to one of Toronto's most historic music venues may finally be over.
In conversation with NOW Magazine, El Mocambo owner Michael Wekerle vaguely confirmed that the iconic venue will be back up and running "when the snow melts and the sun starts to shower."
According to the publication, the Spadina Avenue spot may be ready to reopen as early as Canadian Music Week's 2020 edition — happening this spring from May 19 to 23.
"We expect to open soon, but I've said it eight times in a row and I've been wrong, so I think I best not be saying anything too definite right now," said Wekerle. "But very soon."
This news may come prematurely, as the venue has had several false starts over the years, as well as multiple rumours of its reopening being slated as early as March this year.
But as Wekerle said, none of this information is definitive. Until we know more, you'll just have to keep your fingers crossed.
The last decade was not too kind to the poor Elmo — plans for major renovations of the venue began back in 2012. Its doors have been shuttered since November 2014.
After changing hands multiple times since, Wekerle, a Dragons' Den panellist and CEO of Difference Capital Financial, officially purchased the venue in early 2015. But then, the iconic palm tree sign was relit back in 2018, signalling its eventual return.
In conversation with NOW Magazine, El Mocambo owner Michael Wekerle vaguely confirmed that the iconic venue will be back up and running "when the snow melts and the sun starts to shower."
According to the publication, the Spadina Avenue spot may be ready to reopen as early as Canadian Music Week's 2020 edition — happening this spring from May 19 to 23.
"We expect to open soon, but I've said it eight times in a row and I've been wrong, so I think I best not be saying anything too definite right now," said Wekerle. "But very soon."
This news may come prematurely, as the venue has had several false starts over the years, as well as multiple rumours of its reopening being slated as early as March this year.
But as Wekerle said, none of this information is definitive. Until we know more, you'll just have to keep your fingers crossed.
The last decade was not too kind to the poor Elmo — plans for major renovations of the venue began back in 2012. Its doors have been shuttered since November 2014.
After changing hands multiple times since, Wekerle, a Dragons' Den panellist and CEO of Difference Capital Financial, officially purchased the venue in early 2015. But then, the iconic palm tree sign was relit back in 2018, signalling its eventual return.