The Dream Café, a beloved live music venue in the heart of downtown Penticton, is closing after almost 25 years in business.
On Sept. 6, the Front Street venue will host its last show before shutting down due to financial challenges, it announced in a lengthy social media post.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly,” its board said in a statement. "The Dream Café has always stood for fair treatment of artists and a one-of-a-kind listening experience, but no amount of small adjustments can overcome the realities of this business model. We are heartbroken, but it is time to put our house in order.”
The Dream Café was founded by Pierre Couture and Debra Rice in 2001, bringing world-renowned acts from across the globe to Penticton and quickly becoming known as one of Canada's premier live entertainment rooms. It shifted to a co-op ownership model in 2015, with the support of shareholders and volunteers.
Hosting more than 100 shows a year, the venue launched its annual "Keep the Dream Alive Fundraiser" in 2023 to help keep operations running.
"Like many venues across Canada, the Dream Café has always struggled — especially in the aftermath of the pandemic when operating costs, including artist suite rent, insurance, and artist fees, rose dramatically," the business said in its social media post. "Despite tireless efforts, the financial reality has become unsustainable."
Although the venue is closing on Sept. 6, its board said it remains open to one day reviving the business, potentially by registering as a non-profit or charitable organization to "access grants and funding unavailable to its current for-profit structure."
"Such a transition would first require clearing existing debts, and so far, no solution has been found," the statement continues. "The board remains open to the possibility of an angel investor or community partner stepping forward to help preserve this cherished space for live music."
The venue's last show will be headlined by JJ Shiplett, a singer-songwriter who broke onto the national scene in 2017 with his CCMA-nominated album, Something to Believe In. Tickets are sold out.
“The Dream has a powerful energy that we believe can rise again in a new form,” the board said. “We hope one day to rebuild on stronger foundations so that the Dream can continue to nurture artists, audiences, and the spirit of live music for years to come.”
