A couple of weeks back a intimate venue in Ottawa called "Rasputins" had a Fire.This venue has been around for many years and was owned by Dean Verger.Dean and Rasputins was THE place for folk music,poetry readings and story telling.Dean made a large contribution to the scene here in Ottawa both with the cafe/bar and with helping with the Ottawa Folk Festival.Many artists passed through this venue over the years many just starting out.Sadly today it was announced Rasputins will not reopen.
While mourning the loss we must also thank Dean for his large contributions to the scene here in Ottawa and wish him a happy retirement and all the best in his next chapter of his life..
Thank you Dean!!! CHEERS!!! *Clink*

I am so sorry, and I hope Ottawa will find a way to have a new folk venue and establish a new tradition for you. If Ottawa can't do it, I think we're all in big trouble. That means, I think that your vibrant, active community will find a new way, and we're all counting on that being possible. I don't know how, but if we can help from here, we will; just let us know.

So sorry to hear this. Hope they can revive the folk scene there. In my area of VA, theres not much of a folk scene...