I definately welcome feedback with regards to the club, positive or negative. I certainly acknowledge that it is time to beef up the sound quality which doesn't necessarily mean louder sound. Perhaps a drawback from our set-up is the fact that we have a lot of people sleeping in the rooms upstairs so we try and be mindful of that. Bass and crowd noise at the end of the night really turns off a lot of overnight guests. We do however notify them that we are not a quiet property when they book over weekends.

We are upgrading our mains to the QSC's (bought locally!) and are purchasing more bass from Soniclab. The old mains (EVs) will be used for monitors and enhanced sound in the room. We are also looking at enhancing some of our lights and visuals with people like Nikko and Tabbitha. We have always believed in continually reinvesting in this old hotel, in all facilities all the time. It's a never ending work in progress.

As far as entertainment goes, we try to make it diverse and top quality. You're right, we do tend to stick to the commercially viable acts that are proven to bring in a crowd - it's good for business and it's giving the people what they want. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Folk artists, blues and some other live genres or even drum & bass and trance dj's have failed to be supported so I have tended to stay away from them. I haven't given up on them but one needs to be selective in what is booked. I'll be the first to acknowledge that there are many other local dj's and live acts that have not yet had the chance to play. Sometimes it's up to them to take the time to introduce themselves to me to get a date.

Lastly, people always assume that we love being the only club open in town but I don't share that sentiment. Competition is a good thing...it keeps you on your toes. On big nights in creates a lot of stress on our door staff to maintain our capacity. Those guys have a difficult job. It's also great to have options out there and it's what makes Nelson so unique. Look at all the fantastic restaurants for example...you'll be hard pressed to find a bad meal in town and it makes our quality of life and tourism that much better. I keep asking the 198 guys when they're coming back because we all can use variety in our lives and hell, it gives me a place to go lose it every once in awhile! Apparently they are aiming for Halloween and I hope they'll be ready for that. It' seems to be the best time of the year for a good party.

I won't get any more involved in the discussion that that but I agree with the last posting, be honest and truthful in this forum. That's what it's here for and it for one has helped to make Spiritbar a better place. Thank you for supporting us.

Ryan