IT’S ONLY

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL…

A renowned venue with a rich history, the El Mocambo is about to get revamped and re-amped. Michael Wekerle came here in his youth as a fan of rock ‘n’ roll, of all music (for more on Wekerle, turn to page 12). Now he’s evolving this storied music club into a musical hub of activity that is sure to become a destination elevated beyond what it ever was before. Sound engineer Eddie Kramer recorded parts of The Rolling Stones’ Love You Live album at The El Mo back in ’77. Earlier, he and architect and acoustician John Storyk collaborated on Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady studio in NYC. Wekerle has teamed them up again to rebuild the interior. While maintaining the legendary spirit, it will be teched out with cutting-edge capacity to record and stream shows. The first floor will be intimate with a full-scale restaurant within an acoustical venue. The second floor, where everyone from Blondie to U2 once played, will be the main venue. Both stages can play simultaneously. The third floor will be a recording studio, along with a fourth floor that is being built with access to a large rooftop patio. Bands can come in and record albums, live albums, with superior sound, and have a place where musicians and enthusiasts can call home. Built in the 1850s, these walls and hallowed halls have seen it all. The various chapters of this Toronto institution chart the cultural history of this city. Through the enterprising foresight of this 21st century makeover, the El Mo will rise again.