Fredericton’s longstanding bar and music venue of choice, The Capital Complex, will be coming under new ownership. The venue announced tonight that Zach Atkinson, the general manager of the last ten years will be assuming ownership of the establishment with an evening celebration as they ring in their own New Year on January 3rd.
The Capital Complex, which is currently celebrating being in business for the last twenty years this week. It has thrived under the ownership of Wes Ward, building partnerships with music promoters as a one of the city’s go-to music venues, and as a natural outlet for Ward’s other enterprise: Graystone Brewing.
Of course, Atkinson has also been a part of much of that success. He’s usually easily identifiable as the person rushing from one end of the complex to the other, at least when he’s not drumming for Fredericton blues-rock band Kill Chicago.
It wasn’t always that way for Atkinson though. In the words of Drake: he started from the bottom, now he’s here. Like a some mythical shoeshine boy out of a folk legend who goes on to become CEO of the whole dang company, Atkinson started at The Capital Complex fourteen years ago, postering for shows and working the door.
Practically a self-made man, Atkinson even came with his own purpose suited tape-gun.
“James Boyle and I started together postering for The Capital, then I moved to working the door and James did sound, then we started booking too,” says Atkinson.
Now after eight months of planning, Atkinson will be taking full responsibility for the show.
Atkinson says that during the changeover of ownership regular patrons can expect, “Business as usual.” He has been managing the place for the last decade after all.
“I’d like to let people to know that the culture and community of the Capital Complex remain unchanged during transition of ownership. We have plans to create new offerings for our customers but our commitment to serve the arts, culture, and live music sector is still number one. Going into the new year we want to see people out, enjoying themselves. And we’re listening to what people want- earlier showtimes, more local options, and a venue that celebrates diversity.”
The Capital Complex will be celebrating a whole variety of things on Thursday, January 3rd with an event that includes comedy, a performance by Sugarbomb, and whatever else you can squeeze out of the holidays. To learn more see the video announcement here.