Area venue focuses on promoting live music

A recently developed venue in Lemberg is looking to provide a place for Saskatchewan talent to showcase.

Richard Groulx, the man behind The Jam Space said even though he grew up in Regina he had no idea about the small town he has now settled in.

"I was touring the province in 2009," he said. "I was trying specifically to get into some smaller place that didn't normally have music Lemberg was one of the stops on the tour.

"I never expected I was going to move there."

But Groulx realized Regina, while having many talented musicians there were "a lack of places to showcase it." He added "there are just a lack of venues in the province for original musicians Artists that are very talented , but you won't turn your radio on and hear them."

So as Groulx realized living in Regina wasn't fitting his ambitions, he started looking for an option, adding he realized he had "to put the guitar down, and do something else. Hopefully if that's successful I can get back to the music."

Groulx was drawn to Lemberg, which while seeming "in the middle of nowhere" is actually in the middle of somewhere, about halfway between Yorkton and Regina, and Melville and Qu'Appelle.

There also happened to be a business building on Main Street Lemberg available for back taxes. Groulx said he thinks it started out as a garage originally, and while going through some unknown uses, had most recently been a senior centre.

It took some effort and renovations, but Groulx turned it into a cozy 50-seat live music venue.

"It's a very intimate 1,000 square foot room," he said, adding in that space it is designed for music with a dedicated performance space, and proper sound system.

The venue operates under a special occasion permit, so refreshments are available, but Groulx said his main focus is serving up music.

At present Groulx is promoting a show per month, including three this summer in cooperation with 13th Ave Records in Regina.

This Saturday the Lonesome Weekends play The Jam Space, July 6 Brass Buttons hit the stage and on Aug. 30 it's The Lazy MKs.

For more information and ticket information check out www.thejamspace.ca