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We were both raised around music. Caleb’s dad taught him to play drums in the 5th grade and introduced him to running sound at live concerts and events at 9 years old. Karli’s parents had her in classical piano lessons at a young age and her dad taught her guitar and to love the beauty and magic of singing. We each explored different ways of pursuing our specific passions until our passions led us to the same place.
After spending so many years around concerts and training his ear to perfect a live mix, Caleb decided to pursue a degree in Audio Engineering from Citrus College in southern California. Once graduating from college he moved to Tri-Cities, Washington to open an indie music venue. He called it the Red Room and booked nationally touring bands like Josh Ritter, Helio Sequence, My Brightest Diamond and Toro Y Moi. He also booked and got to know a lot of regionally touring artists...including Karli.
While studying graphic design in college, Karli began to build her songwriting skills and played her first show at a little venue called Rock Coffee. She played in several different bands, but always ended up back performing as a solo singer-songwriter. In 2008 she quit her job, sold most of her belongings and went on the road. Touring consistently through the northwest and west coast for several years she was bound to book a show at Caleb’s music venue in the Tri-cities and it quickly became her favorite spot to play.
We instantly became friends and found that live music was not only a common interest to enjoy but something we both desired to influence for the better. We spent most of our time together in venues throughout the northwest and the desire grew to create our own unique space where bands could play. After our wedding in 2010, we decided to plant roots in Spokane. When the Empyrean closed not too long after, the time felt right and need felt great in Spokane for us to pursue the dream of opening our own venue.
It’s been almost two years since the Empyrean closed and the local music scene is still in desperate need of a mid-sized all ages all the time music venue. The Bartlett is the hand-crafted plan we have made to fit not only the hole the Empyrean left upon closure...but other needs we have seen as musicians and music-lovers in the community.
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The Bartlett will be located in downtown Spokane inside a newly renovated historic building. The 4000 sq/ft space will have a 200+ capacity all ages music venue designed around showcasing the bands playing. It will have quality sound from any spot in the room so you’ll never feel like you are left out of the experience.
Aside from offering an incredible environment to see bands play, The Bartlett will focus on 2 main things. The first is cultivating the local music scene through all ages events, open mics and showcasing new, young local bands. The local music community needs a good place to be able to display their talent. The second will be about putting Spokane on the map alongside other cities with thriving music scenes. Currently there are hundreds of indie buzz bands each year that skip Spokane while touring through the Pacific Northwest because of the lack of adequate mid-sized venues. We have already built connections to draw these in to Spokane on their tour routes once The Bartlett opens.
Playing at The Bartlett will be a professional experience for bands. They will have an adequate green room space with wifi, an area to stage equipment safely, and a 300 sq. ft. stage. They will be greeted by a friendly staff and a knowledgeable sound technician that will be devoted for the whole evening to make the experience as smooth as possible. Shows will be scheduled and managed responsibly by staff to keep a timely event.
The venue space will also have availability and a high level of cleanliness making it great for outside event bookings such as weddings and private parties.
In addition to the venue, the front of the space will be a separate bar area that will serve pour over coffee, beer and wine. This area will have a modern yet artistic feel, with handmade bars, tables and benches. It will be bright and well lit to showcase the layout and art.
The bar area will be open late morning through early evening and feature specialty coffees made with slow brew methods. There will also be some limited food selections available to pair with beverages and of course, free wireless internet. In the evening the bar will only be accessible by a 21+ audience. There will be a small stage for open mics, smaller singer-songwriter shows or intimate readings.
The Bartlett Compilation: this digital compilation is exclusive and curated by us. It features some of our favorite current Spokane bands and some amazing acts from Seattle and Portland. We are so thankful all of these talented people have supported us and if you haven’t heard of them, you are in for a treat. Here’s all the contributors...
Our other incentives include limited edition tshirts, stickers, posters, free coffee, event rental, tickets to shows and other amazing offerings.
![Tshirt]( "Tshirt")
![Sticker Pack]( "Sticker Pack")
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Due to the nature of the construction that needs to happen in the space, we will be planning our opening for Spring 2013.
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With the money we raise we will be purchasing an array of things, such as equipment for the kitchen, building supplies, furniture, product, sound equipment, lighting, paint, license fees, etc. Everything we will need to make the space awesome.
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We each have specific education that is applicable to this field and the venture of running a small business.
Karli has a degree in graphic design and almost ten years of experience in the advertising and marketing side of the music industry. She has been running her own freelance business for two years and has worked mostly with small businesses and musicians. On top of her marketing and art experience, she has spent thousands of hours in venues all over the US (New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc) not to mention the hours that have gone into organizing community events, concerts, fundraisers and art shows. She knows her community well and is deeply invested in the history of the music scene and it's current state.
Caleb has a degree in Audio Engineering with extensive experience running live sound. He has spent several years managing a successful venue in the Tri-Cities. He managed volunteers, booked shows, worked with bands, and oversaw finances. He has also toured in several bands throughout the west coast performing or running live sound. He currently works as a Sound Designer at ILF Media doing audio for TV commercials.
Together we not only possess a complementary set of skills and training but a diverse view of art and a unique taste for aesthetics. This combination plus a list of other creatives that will be added to the team along the way will make The Bartlett a beautiful place to experience art and life but it will also make it financially sustainable.
We have a solid business plan and would be willing to show anyone who is interested. Feel free to contact us directly at info@thebartlettspokane.com
Help us make this dream a reality and we promise the payoff will be something the whole community and musicians all over the country will reap benefits from. We need your help to get this project off the ground, please consider joining with us in our belief that Spokane's future is bright and promising.
Video Credits
Music: Max Harnishfeger, Filming: Ben Fowler, Motion Graphics: Nick Tibbetts, Graphics: Karli Ingersoll, Intro Photo: Eleanor Lonardo
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