An iconic downtown Red Deer bar and live music venue has served its final round.
The Velvet Olive officially closed its doors following a final night on Saturday, May 10.
"On our final night at The Velvet Olive, we were surrounded by the very heartbeat of this place — the people who have shown up night after night, championing live music and creating something truly special with us. It was a night full of meaning, memory and magic," states a post on the Velvet Olive's Facebook page.
"After the 'open' sign flickered off one last time, people danced on the bar ... closing this chapter with laughter, music and wild, beautiful defiance.
"We will miss this room and the community that made it feel like home. Though The Velvet Olive won’t reopen elsewhere, its spirit will echo in every show, every gathering, every place where music brings people together. Keep showing up. Keep believing in live music. It still matters. It always will."
The post noted that "surprise guests took to the stage" on the final night of the Velvet Olive. "There was cake, balloons, and so many hugs — happy tears and sad ones all mingled together under the soft glow of the stage lights."
In March, Velvet Olive owner Kyle Key announced the business would shut its doors for good in mid-May. The Velvet Olive has been part of the city's downtown since 2005 and has served as a home for many local musicians and visual artists. Key has operated the business for about six years.
The Velvet Olive's founder Penny Elliott took to social media to comment on the closure of the venue.
"The Velvet Olive an institution like no other," Elliott said in a post that was shared on the Velvet Olive's Facebook page.
"As the first owner of the Olive it holds a space in my heart. I am proud of the life it took on and extremely proud that Kyle Key took it to a whole new level. Kyle's hard work and dedication to the Olive has been truly amazing to follow.
"The people really deserve a lot of credit for having such amazing creativity, love and support. We provided a venue and they gave it life. Kudos to all of those hearts. There never be another plain and simple. I wish everyone the very best, especially Kyle and his team/family. Cheers everyone. P.S. I'm now crying."
