The Skylark Café is a well-loved restaurant-bar in West Seattle, but what makes this rather little place stand out is its consistent events, primarily all ages, from things like drag shows to local rock bands; Skylark nurtures Seattle expression.
As of the recent light rail construction, Skylark has been given the ultimatum of moving or shutting down.
Matt Larson, owner of Skylark, wrote an open letter discussing the specifics of their situation, and how this financial burden may lead to permanent closing.
“The city, in recognition of the impact this extension will have on local businesses, is offering support in the form of moving, storing, and hooking up our equipment. While they have committed to covering up to $50,000 in associated costs, it’s important to understand that this sum, though significant, falls short of the financial hurdles we would face.” Larson writes.
“Furthermore, we find ourselves in a challenging position as we await the letter informing us of the timeline for evacuation—ranging from 1 to 5 years (but probably closer to 1-2)—and the undetermined period we’ll have to vacate thereafter.” Larson continues.
How will this impending closing impact Seattle expression and culture? Due to the frequent all ages events, this restaurant has become a safe space for queer and unconventional art from upcoming musicians and artists.
Nikita and Nikhil Quadros are both Skyline students a part of the band Red Light Blue Light, they have preformed at the Skylark three times; the latest being May 2nd, to support the Skylark in moving specifically. They came to share how much the café and their experiences with it have meant to them.
“I mean, as Red Light Blue Light, [May 2nd] was the first time we’ve ever played there, but Nikhil and I have played there with School of Rock for longer than that, so we’ve definitely grown to really care about Skylark a lot, and when I heard that it was gonna get shutdown or relocated, we were devastated.” Nikita said.
Many music venues are rapidly closing or facing the threat, Showboat and Hard Rock Café are just two venues that have both closed within recent months. Real Art Tacoma is also seeing the possibility of closing, which is especially unfortunate due to their promise to keep shows all ages.
“So, there are all of these music venues that give opportunities to young musicians like Nikhil and myself, um, that are facing hard times, and not being able to keep their doors open.” Nikita says.
Being able to experience live events and music is more special than what might come to mind, many patrons have developed positive feelings memories towards venues such as the Skylark.
“I’ve played at Skylark more than the rest of my bandmates, and I’ve just had like many, many, great experiences there, I mean, not only playing there but like seeing people play there,” Nikhil says. “And one of my favorites like audience experiences was seeing my friend’s band, ‘Me and Who?’, play there, and Skylark is just such a great and nice venue, and like a lot of them don’t really do all ages shows anymore (…) and it sucks that it’s closing down- and I think it’s for like the Light rail or whatever? It’s a shame.”
Many argue the Light Rail construction could heavily benefit Seattle, but others ask at what cost, and what location is it really effective?
“Yeah, I definitely think that Washington should be doing things for the public transport but not in a way that’s gonna be shutting down existing businesses. And, it’s not even a big corporation, its one- it’s the one and only Skylark Café.” Nikita says.
As many venues face the threat of closing, look into shows near you and experience something new and worthwhile. The Skylark Café has a donation link in their Instagram bio, @skylarkcafe, to support their move, workers, and keeping the business alive.