I don’t have a whole lot of info on this one, except that the venue is closing. I heard from a few folks this morning that owner Ken Klehm told them the Rocket Club would close this week. He apparently made an informal announcement at the Monday night Asheville Jazz Orchestra show.
Klehm emailed me to say it was true, and this week would be the Rocket Club’s last.
The venue had kind of a rocky start, with a much-delayed opening in 2007 in what would turn out to be a burgeoning area. Situated between Harvest Records and The Admiral, and near Custom, West Asheville Izzy’s, an herbalism school and a number of artists studios, it helped set the tone for the so-called East-West Asheville neighborhood.
It’s hosted a number of awesome shows lately (Monotonix and Visqueen, for two) and had a few on the summer schedule that I hate won’t be happening.
Someone buy this up and try again!!
Sorry to hear this!
Bummer!
That’s too bad…though not very surprising. The sound was not very good in there and there are plenty of music rooms in town that sound better.
I’d be curious as to any future plans for this building. Hopefully another music club might open there, but could this possibly be a musical example of Darwinism ala survival of the fittest? Haywood Rd. has quite a few venues that all seem to be doing battle to secure the attendance of a limited amount of patrons.
Actually, it sounded better over the past year then the previous ones. As always, the sound comes down to the one turning the knobs.
This is a bummer and wish the best for Ken and company.
Boy, that’s some bad news. Sorry to hear it. Hope something new and cool is re-born there.
Not surprising really. While the bar had a fun atmosphere and the owner is cool it always sounded terrible in there.
Awesome building, terrible sound, and even worst bands. I hope somebody will buy this, load up the bar with local brews on tap, and hire somebody who can book bands that will pull crowds. This building is awesome on the inside and needs just a few things to make the sound better.
I liked the club but, as an out-of-towner, often had difficulty finding parking. For another club to succeed there, I think it will need a parking agreement with neighboring businesses.
Too bad but the sound was terrible.
What I get from these comments is that people really have no clue of clubs, hospitality, capital, cash flow, or just plain how to be nice.
PS– the sound was fine when a band permitted, good sound starts from a competent back line that is not on ten. Best of luck, Ken, we will miss you in the neighborhood.
Im sorry to hear this. I wish Asheville’s pie was big enough for all of us.
On a different subject: The Boiler Room has pretty good sound.
so does this mean that the owner was as bad a business man as he was a sound guy? Worst sound in town, without question. Very cool room, great bar, cool neighborhood. but I stopped going there because of how loud it was. What really turned me off was the last show I went to when my friends band was playing, the feedback was not tolerable. my friends girlfriend went up to Ken and said “it’s really loud” his response was “I know”. It wasn’t a case of the bands amps being too loud. He just can’t mix a show to save his life
The sound was fine in the Rocket Club especially after Ken took over….I would like to know if the guy “West Asheville” has ever even been to the Rocket because seven of the ten taps were local brews. This club provided a much different and unique atmosphere in Asheville’s bar/music scene and was a favorite place for many locals. Thanks to Ken and the crew that provided many enjoyable evenings….Good Luck to you all :)
oops…different and unique are virutally the same thing. Take your pick.
Once Ken took over the knobs, the sound was much better in there.
He is also a strong supporter of local bands. I saw some great triple/quadruple bills in there. Again, good luck to him and his staff.
Playing at the Rocket Club was kind of like playing in somebody’s rec room, except there was a real stage. I mean this as a compliment! Kicking myself for never having made it to the Monday night jazz jam. Best of luck to all involved, it was fun while it lasted.
we’re just going to have to annoy Ken til he opens up another place. who’s in?
I am interested if anyone knows whom I would contact to get some info on the space? let me know.
indahchi@gmail.com
Not surprised one bit! My brother is a loser, I have to carry that piece of crap all the time. He can’t hold anything together.