Saskatoon’s Capitol Music Club up for sale after 13 years

After more than a decade of live music, late nights and packed crowds, the owner of Capitol Music Club said he is ready to hand over the keys.

Mitchell Lupichuk opened the venue on Saskatoon’s 1st Avenue in 2013, following the closure of the live music venue Lydia’s on Broadway Avenue.

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Capitol Music Club staff, from left, Kiera Pearson, Mitchell Lupichuk and Camey Hryhor. (Mitchell Lupichuk/Submitted)

“It’s been a big passion project of mine for most of that time, but I am tired and I’m just ready to move on,” Lupichuk said in an interview with CKOM News.

He said he has been keeping busy outside of the Capitol, running a full time business that occupies much of his time. He added that he believes “the Capitol could use some new blood.”

“We got a really good crew there, we’re booking tons of shows,” Lupichuk said.

“Everything’s going to stay the same, I’m just the person that’s going to be leaving. So I don’t think Saskatoon has to worry too much about anything music wise changing.”

Lupichuk said he hopes the next buyer wants to be hands-on with the business and either learn how to book shows or already has experience doing so.

He added the venue could benefit from future opportunities created by Saskatoon’s proposed Downtown Event and Entertainment District.

Capitol Music Club was opened in 2013. (Mitchell Lupichuk/Submitted)

Lupichuk said the Capitol was “always about music” when he brought the concept to life with business partner and former guitarist with The Sheepdogs, Leot Hanson.

“The band just started kind of getting big, and we’re like going around to festivals and doing a lot of stuff like that, and that was just interesting,” Lupichuk said.

Getting the music club up and running was no small gig either, Lupichuk explained, noting the project was a massive undertaking.

“It was just bare walls,” he said. “ That whole process was probably a year of learning how to build a bar.”

Looking back on his run with the Capitol, Lupichuk said he is most proud of seeing the success of the venue and the memories it holds.

Lupichuk also reflected on shows from artists like Colter Wall, The Glorious Sons, Arkells and The Beaches.

“Blind Melon playing in our room was pretty crazy,” he added.

Lupichuk said it will be difficult moving on from the music venue that has been a part of Saskatoon’s music story for 13 years, but is hoping someone else can carry on its legacy.

Looking ahead, Lupichuk said he always wanted to see a spiral staircase leading to a rooftop patio, and hopes the new owners can make that dream happen.

“I think that would make a huge difference,” he said. “They could do comedy shows up on the roof or have weddings.”

Lupichuk said he is grateful for the community’s support through many challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and hopes that support continues when new ownership takes over.

“I’m thankful that I got to have my time and operate a great business like this,” he said.

According to Lupichuk, the Capitol Music Club has not yet been sold.

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