Seattle’s 30-year-old Re-bar venue announced on May 9th that it will permanently close its location on Howell Street in Seattle. The plans are to reopen in the fall of 2021 at a new space in South Seattle, where it’s more affordable. Re-bar owner Dane Garfield Wilson says Re-bar has been at risk of closure because his building has been for sale for months. He’s also been having to pay $10,000 a month in rent and operation fees with no income for two months because of COVID-19. KEXP’s Sharlese Metcalf brings us an audio profile of what it felt like to be at Re-bar on a Sunday night. KEXP DJ Riz Rollins takes us through a history of the venue, including DJing for a Nirvana album release show. We also check in with Seattle’s Clockout Lounge, Tractor Tavern, and The Crocodile to see how their independent music venues are faring under the extended "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order.
