With a few months of hosting concerts and other community events under its belt, it appears The Belfry in Sisters is here to stay, and that’s a beautiful thing.
Now, its owner, Angeline Rhett (of Angeline’s Bakery), is asking for help toward a brighter future.
Located in the heart of an arts-friendly town, The Belfry houses a stage, plenty of space for dancing (or sitting), and a kitchen and lounge. Since opening in November, the place has hosted both local bands and nationally touring artists such as Birds of Chicago, Danny Barnes and Matt the Electrician.
Last week, Rhett launched a campaign via the online fundraising website Kickstarter to raise $34,500 by April 14 for improvements to the 100-year-old building, including a city-required sprinkler system and exit doors, a new sound system, a video projector and screen, tables, chairs and stage lights. (A promotional video for the campaign shows her removing a light from the ceiling to use on stage.)
Rhett also hopes to use some of the money to convert the building next door into a youth hostel. As of Thursday morning, 38 backers had given $6,470 to the cause with 37 days till deadline.
The Belfry is “an example of all the diversity in one community coming together," Rhett said in the video. The improvements, she said, will help attract bigger musical acts to the venue and ensure its sustainability.
The fundraising effort is already under way, but on Saturday night, The Belfry will host its official Kickstarter Kickoff and Pisces Birthday Party with live music by local twang/blues/rock powerhouse The JZ Band. There’ll be food and drinks, too, of course.
For more info, including a link to the Kickstarter page, visit www .belfryevents.com.
Kickstarter Kickoff and Pisces Birthday Party, with The JZ Band; 8 p.m. Saturday; $5; The Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters; www .belfryevents.com.
