A touch more voodoo is returning to Penticton as new owners have taken over the live music venue.
Tammy Knickerbocker and Sascha Schloegl are finishing up small renovations and touch-ups to Voodoo’s, located at 67 E. Nanaimo Ave., in preparation for their grand opening this Saturday.
“There isn’t really a lot of live music venues anymore and we wanted to change that. This place was run to the ground and was never open,” said Knickerbocker. “We have a love for live music and I ran a restaurant before.”
The new owners want to attract local musicians to come in and jam. A house drum kit, piano are open to the public.
“Anyone can come in the afternoon and just jam. We have the stage, mics and sound system all they have to do is walk in. Booked performances usually start at 8 p.m. but the stage is welcome to anyone before that,” said Knickerbocker.
Voodoo’s does not have a house band, but every second Sunday they are hosting a kid’s jam from 3 to 6 p.m. so people of all ages can come in and share their talents. Since the Golo Art Project lost its venue, Voodoo’s has welcomed them into their venue, hosting Surrender Your Booty on Tuesday nights where artists can bring their wares in to sell or even create right there.
Knickerbocker said they have been lucky enough to have the assistance of Mark Mudahy, who previously owned a Mediterranean grill, and has helped them design their menu which, includes specialties like the Voodoo’s burger with mango barbecue sauce and jerk chicken pizza.
“We have been specializing in Jamaican cuisine, putting that Voodoo’s connection in there. It looks like it is going to be a hit along with our twist on western cuisine,” said Knickerbocker. “We want to stay fresh and stay local, that is important to us. From our beers on tap to any food we buy — it all comes from here.”
To celebrate their new business, Voodoo’s is hosting a grand opening on Saturday featuring food and drink specials and door prizes. Two female-fronted rock bands will be performing starting at 8:30 p.m.
Kill Matilda released a new album last year called I Want Revenge, toured coast-to-coast playing 70 shows including North by Northeast.
Ready Set Die also will take the stage at Voodoo’s on Saturday. Seamlessly blending her guitar riff and solo’s with harsh punk vocals, front woman JT Criminal separates Ready Set Die from many pop-punk bands played on today’s radio stations.
“They all have fun and usually bring a huge following with them,” said Knickerbocker. For more information on upcoming live performances www.voodoos.ca or their Facebook group.
Expect a cover charge at the door, with all funds going to the bands playing that evening.