Tags
bar, Blues, community, dancing, Diana Schwenk, dream, Floyd Dixon, Hole in the Wall, Hump Day Chronicles, Jazz, love, relational, social
Before I get too deep into this post I want to explain something. I’m not an artist, but I know when I like a painting. And I’m not an author but I can appreciate a good book. I’m also not a musician but I know good music when I hear it. Or as I used to say as a teenager, I may not be able to make a watch, but I can tell the time!
Off and on since I was 16 years old I’ve dreamt of owning my own bar.
I think it’s the social aspect, the idea of people gathering and enjoying each other’s company that appeals to me.
Over the years, what that would look like has changed many times, yet the idea of owning a bar has continued to visit me from time to time.
Maybe one day I will own one. Maybe I won’t – but either way I want to share the following concept with you and hear what you think.
About a year ago I came up with a conceptual idea for what this bar would look and feel like. The following song would be the indicator that the entertainment is about to begin.
And that’s why I would call my bar The Hole in the Wall. Imagine if you will; a red brick building. On the outside wall, a mural that looks like bricks have been knocked out and left a hole that allows you to peer inside to see the silhouette of a band and folks dancing. There would be plenty of parking and an outdoor courtyard to cool off from all the dancing you would do.
Inside is a big open space with an elevated stage large enough to accommodate a 7-man band. The stage overlooks a large dance floor with plenty of room for people to dance. Tables would seat six and it would be the norm to expect people you don’t know to sit with you if you and your guests are not taking up the entire table.
The Hole in the Wall would not have a restaurant. We know you get hungry so to sate your appetite and save ourselves the hassle of cooking, we would promote our neighbouring eateries by providing their take-out menus at each table.
That’s right – just pick up your iPhone and call your favourite restaurant and have them deliver to your table!
The motto of the bar would be: For the love of people, great music and dancing
For the love of people
I would want to create an unpretentious and relaxing atmosphere – a place where everyone would feel comfortable, regardless of age or station in life. A place where you could spend time with your adult children – where all of you would have fun together – imagine that!
The Hole in the Wall would hire staff that are energetic, fun-loving people lovers! It would be more important to be relational than to have previous experience. Bar-related skills can be taught!
Philanthropy would be highly encouraged and expected. Staff would have opportunities to share the causes they believe in and engage with charities to organize regular fundraisers that not only raise funds but provide opportunity for organizations to volunteer at the event and engage with patrons.
Because we love people, alcohol consumption would be monitored. The Hole in the Wall is not about getting drunk, it’s about enjoying the music, dancing and the company of good friends. Don’t be surprised if we bring you a glass of water or a cup coffee with a kind word to encourage you to slow down. Sound unusual? I’ve seen it work in other places!
For the love of great music
The Hole in the Wall would strive to make a name for itself by attracting the best blues and jazz bands for the weekends. These bands would love the large stage and acoustics and would be compensated well. During the week, The Hole in the Wall would be a place where talented ‘up and comers’ could become known and kick off their careers. Who knows perhaps The Hole, as it will be affectionately called, will become so well-known that professional artists will sneak in for impromptu sets after their concert at the Saddledome!
For the love of dancing
Does it matter if you can dance? Nah, as long as you’re having fun – that’s what it’s all about!
Whether you’re a trained dancer or just a hotdogger like me, if you love to dance – The Hole in the Wall would be the place for you. We won’t judge you!
The Hole in the Wall would be a safe and fun place to dance and enjoy a night out. During the day we would organize fun activities like they do at resorts. If you can’t laugh at your best friend making a fool of himself, who can you laugh at?
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
What do you think?
Would you come to a place like the Hole in the Wall?
RashiedaUncut said:
Diana open the bar already! Ill save to come and visit. I’ll even do a shift or two as a waitress for free just to experience something new and to meet new people. You should open the bar. It would be an amazing place and a complete success!
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dianasschwenk said:
This is a dream that would take some serious capital up front. If that should ever reveal itself to me, I’d be all over opening this bar! I think it would make a great place for all us bloggers to meet face-to-face, don’t you think?
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RashiedaUncut said:
Agreed! So I will pray because I have experienced that if you believe hard enough anything is possible, I cant wait to meet you
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dianasschwenk said:
How sweet! I would be honoured to meet you Rashieda…I get this feeling something amazing lays before you….
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RashiedaUncut said:
Ditto!!
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Wyrd Smythe said:
Sounds like fun! If I drop by, when I walk in, will everyone turn and yell out, “Norm!!”
(That would be very confusing, since that’s not my name! It’s also not my typical mode!!)
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dianasschwenk said:
That’s a great idea. I would train loyal customers to yell that whenever anybody walks in! haha
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Jean said:
You would make a great host at a pub –with a difference.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Jean!
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mrs fringe said:
Yes, I would come! Personally, I daydream about opening a little lit bar. I like to lose money even in my fantasies. 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
haha well it’s good to be consistent! Yes bars aren’t a shortcut to wealth by any means. A musician/server at a local blues joint once told me it’s not about making money, it’s a lifestyle choice…
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mrs fringe said:
Sounds about right, though making enough from a bar to stay afloat is an art unto itself 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
That’s the word out there for sure!
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elizabeth2560 said:
Love the idea, and I will make a special trip over from Australia for the opening night 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
You can bet that if this comes to fruition, I would let you all know! I’ll try to make the opening happen in July so you can escape your winter!
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elizabeth2560 said:
Ha ha. We have enjoyed some sunny days here the first 3 days of winter and not too cold. Meanwhile I noticed that you have had rain to welcome in your summer! However, I have noticed your temperatures have now climbed to > 20 deg C (68F), so the warm days are finally coming your way!
Enjoy! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
We had temps from 20-29 in May and the rain started around the 23rd. It is still Spring here, Summer starts in a few weeks officially, we’ll see how that plays out!
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Kristi said:
Ahh, love, love the idea Diana! It’s innovative and very different. Love the casual vibe and your passion just strikes through this post. Go for it! Love the name too and your slogan could be ….For the love of dancing. 🙂 I can so imagine you doing this. Walking around checking things running smoothly, talking to guests and dancing when the right tune is on….Here come some loving “tough” questions…..who’s your target group? Because, if it’s for everyone, it really isn’t for anyone specifically….and that could be a problem (thinking of Seth Godins ideas of building tribe that really gets you). 😀 Go D!
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dianasschwenk said:
Kristi, I really hadn’t thought of going beyond people who like the blues and dancing. In my community this is a pretty distinct group. What else were you thinking? I love questions by the way!
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Kristi said:
I was thinking of specific age group. But I’m guessing that blues already actually defines the target group (don’t like that word). You sound very passionate about it and your vision is very detailed, go for it! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes it does and it’s all ages, that’s one of the things I love about music! My daughter and I can totally enjoy it together.
xo
Diana
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Sheryl said:
It sounds like a fun place! Count me in.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Sheryl!
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On the way... said:
I love this idea, I also dream of one day opening a community centre with a youth club, cafe, computer access, sports and more importantly love of people. I wonder whether either of our dreams will become reality but perhaps in the meantime we can somehow try to create little mini versions of the dreams in everyday life? I try to organise groups of people together in local coffee shops, encourage youth groups into volunteering and being in the outdoors as well as doing my best to promote community where ever I can. I think you already do a lot of the same and are perhaps creating your dream around you piece by piece even though it doesn’t have walls just yet. xx
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dianasschwenk said:
Well I am dancing haha. I love your heart and commitment to youth and in spite of all you’ve been through, you still make a tremendous impact with youth. I really admire you! Thank you so much for your encouragement!
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Louise Gallagher said:
I love your dream! Make it real and I’ll come dance and even ride a bike too small for me!
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dianasschwenk said:
Now I have to find a bunch of small bikes too!! haha
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jmgoyder said:
Sounds wonderful!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Julie!
xo
Diana
p.s. I miss you and am thinking of you.
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stuffitellmysister said:
I’m in!!! What a fun place for blogosphere to hang out!!! 😉
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joannerambling said:
Oh yeah it sound like it would be a bloody great place…………..not that I visit bars……………but still it sounds great
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Joanne and I bet if showed up it would be extra fun!
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artsifrtsy said:
It sounds like a great place – I would like to go.
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dianasschwenk said:
haha – I’m thinking we’d have a private event for all of us who are connected here online on one of the nights! Right? What do you think?
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russtowne said:
I LOVE EVERY ASPECT of your vision, Diana. May you turn your vision into reality. I’d love to experience it. I also hope you talk with bulldog about his experiences so that your beautiful dream doesn’t become an exhausting 7-days per week drudgery.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes – good plan! I’m thinking we’d be closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Risque perhaps, but I’d want my people-loving staff to have time to recharge and love their families!
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Our Life In 3D said:
I love it. Send me directions! I often thought of owning my own bar too. It was going to be a stone oven pizza and microbrew place. I had the Hospitality background after all. It may not be as fun as what you described though. And following on your first paragraph Ihave always thought I am not a good dancer but can appreciate one. Have a good Hump Day! Pet some giraffes! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
haha! Some of my relatives are as tall as giraffes – does that count?
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keiththegreen said:
You have 7 days to open it, if you want me at the grand opening 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Are you staying in our fair city that long?
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Jennifer's Journal said:
I love your concept, Diana, and the name you have in mind is brilliant! I don’t go dancing nearly as much as I would like to because of where we live, but if there was a place like yours nearby I would certainly be a regular patron. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Jennifer – you would be most welcomed!
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Bonnie said:
I want to drink there. Dance there. Talk there. Work there. Awesome ideas! Go for it. The ONLY problem I see? It’s not in or near my town. Can I franchise? Go for it…!!!
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dianasschwenk said:
Haha who knows which town it would be in!
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cyclingrandma said:
Great name for a bar, great concept. What’s stopping you? Go for it!
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dianasschwenk said:
Good question Lisa! I could come up with many excuses but in the end that’s just what they are – excuses!
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Healthy A-Z said:
I love it! It brings people together for all kinds of relating…and dancing! Your sharing of causes and having a place for fundraisers is brilliant. Be sure to have some teas for us crazy healthies. I’ll travel from Florida to experience what you WILL create. 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
Teas – check! That would be fun!
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bulldog said:
Owned a place like that we did.. (my wife and I) it was next door to her coffee shop pancake den… so food was not a problem and when crowds wanted to dance tables were move and music played… we hosted young and upcomming artists, and had open mike evenings… I should post photos from the place… you would have loved it… and I as a non drinker now (alcoholic 25 years dry) acted as the “you need to slow down” guy… we had wonderful evenings there… just the 7 day week was hard, in the end we sold to move to the coast..
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dianasschwenk said:
Bulldog! Are you my long lost brother??!! I would have loved it! Do post photos at some point!
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bulldog said:
That I will do… a little bit of bulldog history..
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dianasschwenk said:
Yay! I’m looking forward to it!
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jaimestathis said:
I would ABSOLUTELY go to a place like Hole in The Wall, and would work there too! DO IT!
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dianasschwenk said:
(smiling) I love that you would work there!
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