05/18/2014
Please allow me a little self-indulgence today. 99% of you are amazing people and have embodied exactly what the Hub has been about these past 7+ years; music, friendship, love, humanity. I am speaking to the other 1% right now.
A few people are searching for someone to blame. They need a target for their disappointment that the Hub is closing. I would like to make sure that everyone knows...I CHOSE TO WALK AWAY. I have lived my dream of operating a live music club. I have passion in my life for my family and my children and it is time for me to focus on them. In December I met with my dear friends Kyle Dehmlow and Brent Dahlstrom. They are my business partners at Gingers Pub. I love them both. I asked them if they would be willing to take over the Hub and start a new project. They have done me and my family an incredible favor and service. I have been able to leave the bar business on my own terms. The Hub was not forced out. They did not come to me. I went to them and asked them to help me. They graciously offered their help and are excited for the road ahead.
I fully expect the loyal Hub family to welcome the new establishment and fiercely support them. I know they will be hosting some live entertainment. If you want to encourage them to host live music on a regular basis...then SHOW UP when bands are playing. Music only works when it has support. And I know that Kyle and Brent will be great ambassadors of entertainment on Main St for many years to come.
I also want to make sure people know that my loving wife Alissa C**n Kjeldsen never once asked me to leave the bar business. She has been an incredible supporter of my dreams and I love her with all my heart. In fact, starting a new career has been harder on her and demanding more from her as a wife and mother than the bar business ever did. She is an amazing women and I am eternally grateful to God for having her in my life.
If you're still reading, I'd like to share some thoughts about my time at the Hub. I have so many incredible memories. The most incredible feeling is hanging in the back of the room, looking out over the crowd, and watching true entertainers un-fold their talent. It engulfs the crowd and creates a feeling where absolutely nothing else matters at that particular time. Music has always been my escape. I feel sorry for you if you've never seen Mason Greve and the The Pork Tornadoes take a crowd of individuals and mold them into a single moving being. There is something truly amazing when a crowd responds to the passion that is pouring out on stage. Watching that will always be my quan.
There are too many people to thank, too many musicians and bands to mention. I love you all and I have been so honored to offer a place to display your talent and passion.
I have talked about my wife, my good friends Brent and Kyle, and I need to mention one more person. Ana Hanisch has been the rock that the Hub has been built on. She has been there since day #1. She has done more than anyone could ever ask. She will always be my dear friend. I want to say thank you Ana. Thank you. Your passion and friendship has meant more to me than you'll ever know.
I will see all of you soon. Let's share a pint and cheers to the memories made. The Hub was never about me. It was about music, friendship, love, relationships, and something so very real. It is not a building, it is a state of mind. And that will never go away.
Thank you for the years of support.
Marcus
