From PhillyVoice · · 1m 50s
The Fire music venue closes after 27 years
The Fire, a Northern Liberties music venue, closes after 27 years with final show Wednesday.
In brief
The Fire, a Northern Liberties music venue, closes after 27 years with final show Wednesday. The Fire music venue in Northern Liberties closes after 27 years following owner Karen Lauria Saillant's decision after her son's death. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
The Fire closes after 27 years
The Fire, a Northern Liberties music venue housed inside the Philadelphia Bar & Grille, closes after 27 years on Girard Avenue.
Owner Karen Lauria Saillant
Owner Karen Lauria Saillant, a professional opera singer, decided to shut down the business after her son, venue manager Christian Bygott, died two years ago.
27-year history of performances
The Fire hosted notable artists from John Legend to Alex G, including My Chemical Romance, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, Dr. Dog, the Sun Ra Arkestra, Schoolly D, Amos Lee, and Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann.
International opera theater
The second floor housed the International Opera Theater of Philadelphia, a nonprofit created by Saillant and Bygott in 2003 to produce Italian operas.
Mural of John Legend
A mural of John Legend, painted in 2023 by artist Alloyius Mcilwaine, features John Legend and Japanese opera singer Yasko Fujií in the 'Legendary Performances' series.
Final show details
The Fire's final show Wednesday night will be a performance by Philadelphia hip-hop and R&B artist Deek Westside promoting his new album 'Everything Is Different'.
Financial struggles
The venue faced financial struggles, with the property on Girard Avenue built in 1920 being listed for sale two years ago but recently off market.
Controversial performer
The Fire hosted a performance by guitarist Mike Tyler, a convicted child sex offender released from prison in June, earlier this year.
Final consequence
The Fire closes after 27 years with final show Wednesday night, marking the end of a venue that launched many artists.
The big picture
The Fire music venue in Northern Liberties closes after 27 years following owner Karen Lauria Saillant's decision after her son's death.
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