Article and Photos by Melanie Macpherson
A decade of music. Ten years of riffs, rhythms, and memories that have woven their way into the fabric of Saskatoon's music scene. And at the heart of it all stands The Capitol Music Club, a beacon for local musicians, a sanctuary for music lovers, and a home for unforgettable live performances.
Since its inception, The Capitol has been more than just a venue; it's been a nurturing ground for burgeoning talent, a gathering place for like-minded souls, and a testament to the power of live music. With its intimate setting, top-notch sound and lighting, and a welcoming ambiance that feels like coming home, The Capitol has carved out a special place in the hearts of Saskatoon's music lovers, myself included.
I've made so many great memories over the last year, covering shows for NSMZ, and a lot of them come from The Cap. Pics include The Radiant, Chesterfield, My Son the Hurricane, and Kit Langfield and The Brothers G.
Founded by musicians, The Capitol understands the pulse of live music. Colin Klassen's dedication to perfecting the club's sound and lighting has elevated it to one of the city's premier venues, while the commitment of the owners, including Mitch Lupichuk, to fostering local talent has shaped its identity over the years.
As The Capitol marks its 10th year milestone, Mitch Lupichuk reflects on the journey with pride and gratitude. "Ten years in a full-service event center/pub/restaurant is more like twenty," he muses. "It's been a really great run with so many highlights. A lot of bands got their start here, and that is something I'm very proud of."
The 10th Anniversary Celebration promises to be a testament to The Capitol's enduring legacy. With an expanded lineup of shows, including two nights of Saskatoon's own Wide Mouth Mason, hip-hop acts like Chali 2na and Shad, and blow-out-the-speakers rock with Wheatus and GreenWing, there's something for every musical palate.
Saskatoon's own GreenWing played the Anniversary last year and will be opening for Wheatus in this year's line up.
Local country acts like Kieran Garner and The Blucher Boys, alongside indie darlings like Dan Mangan, Close Talker, and Yukon Blonde, will grace the stage, ensuring a diverse and satisfying musical experience for just about everyone. And let's not forget a couple of nights of stand-up comedy with Kelly Taylor and Eric Johnston, adding a touch of laughter to the festivities.
Kelly Taylor returns to The Capitol stage this year for one of the two comedy nights.
Lupichuk shares his excitement for the upcoming festivities, highlighting some of the acts he's most looking forward to. "It's hard for me to narrow down a favorite. I personally head hunted and brought in most of the bands, but I'm very excited for Chali 2na and Wide Mouth Mason" he enthuses.
But The Capitol isn't just about the music; it's about community. As North Sask Music Zine prepares to cover the anniversary celebration, we're calling on music lovers to join us in capturing the magic of The Capitol. With an expanded lineup of shows and events, there's plenty to see and experience, and we want to share it all with our readers. So, if you're planning on attending any of the anniversary shows, be sure to snap some photos and send them our way. Share your comments and highlights from the shows with us! If we use them in an article or on social media, we'll be sure to give you a shout-out!
As Mitch Lupichuk looks toward the future, he envisions passing the torch to someone equally passionate about music and community. "This place takes an enormous amount of energy," he explains, "and I'd love to start planning to pass the torch to new hands-on owners."
So, as The Capitol Music Club gears up to celebrate a decade of music, let's raise our glasses to the memories made, the music shared, and the community forged. Here's to another ten years of greatness at The Capitol, where every note is a reminder of why live music will always have a special place in our hearts. As Mitch Lupichuk aptly puts it, "Thank you to all of Saskatoon for supporting the club and all the amazing people that have contributed. I'd also really like to give a special thanks to Chris and Camey for taking our little club to the next level."
Join us as we celebrate a decade of music at The Capitol Music Club. Get your tickets early, mark your calendars, and let's make this anniversary celebration one for the books!
