Music in Fort Collins is like a cornerstone in the foundation of the city. There are an ample amount of venues to play, from historical Mishawaka to the newly developed Downtown Artery. The town offers unique opportunities for a musician to play for an audience in almost any setting desired. A new venue, The Magic Rat, is set to open in December adjacent to the Elizabeth Hotel. It’s art deco furnishings blend with modern flare bringing feels of magic to anyone who enters the room. It is somewhat euphoric in nature and ambiance.
Sage Restaurant Group Co-Founder Peter Karpinski’s tells the story of the vision of the music space claiming, “The name derived from the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen, in his famous song Jungleland the protagonist name is the Magic Rat.” The lyrics are quite romantic with a bit of a rebellious nature:
“The Rangers had a homecoming in Harlem late last night, and the Magic Rat drove his sleek machine over the Jersey state line barefoot girl sitting on the hood of a Dodge Drinking warm beer in the soft summer rain. The Rat pulls into town rolls up his pants together they take a stab at romance and disappear down Flamingo Lane.”
The famous photo of Bruce that was the catalyst for the design will be on display in the Magic Rat.
Golden velvet couches line the walls of the dimly lit warm room. All the furniture is handcrafted just for the room. The stage is open and in line with the seating, so it gives it an intimate feel.
Peter says, “Magic Rat Live Music offersswinging sounds on tap weekly, from big name artists, to local late-night jam sessions.”
The entrance is in the alley flourishes with the twinkling of lights and soon to be retail shops that are all local and small business owners. The alleyway will blossom with activity from live music, to gatherings. The Marquee gleams bright highlighting the Rat’s indoor-outdoor bar with garage doors that open when the weather is warm.
The newly designed Emporium Kitchen will have a menu within the space serving a small cuisine crafted exceptionally for the music bar. The Emporium Kitchen, Wine Market, Bowerbird Coffee, and Magic Rat all are adjacent to the Elizabeth hotel.
The Emporium is a gathering spot with handcrafted cocktails, an open kitchen and bistro, a coffee bar and a wine market. Its beauty is in its simplicity. When you want fine dining with some of the most celebrated Northern Colorado chefs, you can sit in European seating and enjoy that. If you’re going to choose an excellent wine to take on a picnic the Wine Market has a selection to suit any palate. You can get a grab and go cheese and charcuterie plate with freshly baked bread. The coffee shop features local roaster Peritus Coffee with a walkup outdoor window or an internal Bowerbird Coffee shop. The Emporium thrives on supporting local Fort Collins food, bakers, and goods. It is highlighting the best from the local food scene. The decoration in the Emporium is locally commissioned art.
It is an actual gathering place that welcomes the community to build and grow within the walls and spaces that are elegant in design and thoughtful in approach. Enjoy the most exquisite local delicacies and stop in for a little magic and music.
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