Grand Forks’ Studio B has closed its doors for good to musical and entertainment acts and rentals.
Owner Brigitte Faramin said that the community has been supportive but it was becoming too costly to run.
“I’ve been in the music and rental business of Studio B for two years now and financially it’s just not viable anymore,” explained Faramin, adding it is unlikely she would have a change of heart.
“At this point, I’ve pretty much given my notice here at the studio, that I will physically be moving out of here,” she said.
However, Faramin said running Studio B has been “the most fantastic experience” and the education was the best part.
“Particularly on the music side of it, it was a whole, brand new world that I discovered and learned about,” she said. “I’ve become a host, an agent, pretty much a broad spectrum of understanding the whole world of music and how it works and operates and I have had the most awesome people walk through my door, as far as musicians are concerned.”
Musicians of varying fame, from almost every corner of the world have performed at Studio B and Faramin said that is something that has amazed her.
The list includes local, national, international, Juno award nominees and winners, well-known and lesser-known musicians. She tried to bring as many musical genres as possible to broaden the audience.
“My fondest memories here are the musicians themselves,” Faramin explained. “Gracious people, each and every one, I’ve never had a problem dealing either with agents or musicians ever, it’s been the most positive experience.”
She said another thing she’ll remember are the contacts she’s gained and the people she’s met in the community.
“I feel disappointed that maybe the community didn’t help make it work more and at the same time, I’m so absolutely elated by the beautiful experiences I’ve had here with some really beautiful, fantastic people in this community, who are just absolutely awesome people,” Faramin explained. “I’m sure there’s a lot more out there but it’s like I couldn’t afford to wait,” she said.
The last concert that took place at Studio B was Washboard Union on Nov. 25.