{"id":821197,"date":"2025-01-19T11:12:27","date_gmt":"2025-01-19T17:12:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/19\/last-call-phog-lounge-lugs-away-bar-as-it-departs-downtown-windsor\/"},"modified":"2025-01-19T11:12:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-19T17:12:27","slug":"last-call-phog-lounge-lugs-away-bar-as-it-departs-downtown-windsor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/19\/last-call-phog-lounge-lugs-away-bar-as-it-departs-downtown-windsor\/","title":{"rendered":"Last call: Phog Lounge lugs away bar as it departs downtown Windsor"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Music <\/p>\n<article aria-labelledby=\"articleTitle\" data-wcm-id=\"bdf4cdcb-09bd-40a2-9480-976adde86560\">\n<header aria-label=\"Beginning of Article\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><span>Published Jan 07, 2025<\/span> \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 <span>4 minute read<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure data-aqa=\"featured-image\"><picture><source media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;h=423&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=hilGXWuE6IE-IS4JoYcZVA, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;h=846&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=bB0RLu4-TcZPYQl4bEM_sQ 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;h=423&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=GLq_CPcvBqonwLJhU7tlaw, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;h=846&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=In-8fPZecUJaHwsbWpkqIw 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;h=354&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=RXSv-LzqmVdevLBIvniFzg, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;h=708&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=O2KHKwQZFgoPSOh14fJ8hQ 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;h=354&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=K264el1ExcoUPNnO9TRSnA, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;h=708&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=WqAxFxVpZTUNxwYN1oKCYw 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;h=216&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=KYF7AygTDtIxriccx1lEYw, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;h=432&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=0gtsat5xcGhC_6zmaMjoRA 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;h=216&#038;sig=29ZxUwso_4Lj2PXtmhA0jg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;h=216&#038;sig=29ZxUwso_4Lj2PXtmhA0jg,\n                    https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;h=432&#038;sig=YdAxgjsUDMnv-FJ_ChT9JA 2x\" alt=\"music downtown\" height=\"750\" width=\"1000\"><\/picture><figcaption><span>Heave-ho! The distinctive \u2014 and heavy \u2014 Phog Lounge mosaic tile bar top was removed from its longtime location on University Avenue West on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, and carried by volunteers to the bar&#8217;s new location on Erie Street East.<\/span> <span>Photo by Julie Kotsis<\/span> \/<span>Windsor Star<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<section>\n<p>Changes are ahead for the small red bar on University Avenue West in downtown Windsor.<\/p>\n<p>Phog Lounge\u2019s 10-foot mosaic bar made a dramatic exit on Sunday as a crew of about two dozen hauled the heavy slab 1.7 kilometres to its new Erie Street home <span>\u2014 closing a chapter for the longtime bar and music venue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Though Phog Lounge marked its final day on Jan. 2 with a 21st anniversary send-off, the venue\u2019s owner told the Star the downtown building\u2019s story isn\u2019t over quite yet.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section data-aqa=\"identity-sign-in\" data-async id=\"article-block\">\n<header>\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"music Windsor Star\" height=\"37\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/17.8.0\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-ws-new.svg\" width=\"280\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n<p>Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Get exclusive access to the Windsor Star ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p>Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Get exclusive access to the Windsor Star ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.<\/li>\n<li>Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p>Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month.<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n<p>Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div data-auth-component id=\"auth-screen-form\" aria-live=\"assertive\">\n<h2>Music Sign In or Create an Account<\/h2>\n<p><span><\/span><span>or<\/span><span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a nice ending,\u201d said Phog Lounge owner Tom Lucier, confident the venue is headed for an exciting next chapter.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor me, it\u2019s a victory to make it to the anniversary date. It\u2019s a nice story. The narrative has an ending for this space. That\u2019s a good feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure data-aqa=\"embed-image\"><picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=4orUBFm88nquCB9sL4_pXg, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=0rdAhMT5cH_uPUN7p4Gncw 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=0ugpwjcEJYY-lZgNRAFFaw, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=NmULra4oSpWCMlnEBQhblQ 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"  type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=mXdEXT0I_doA0HgeywA-og, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=PNEwAUP38uNCP2v3xpdWsQ 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=WLXKWpXIGR2cTyyiPN-RsQ, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=oDv1YhiFvS_M5oEig8_zgA 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"  type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=qYRsLCm_BWATbYEFkrI5Aw, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=rS1-oewwpxMKQzdzjYWKeg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;sig=appmWDw5MVn6odyvmKCzgA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;sig=appmWDw5MVn6odyvmKCzgA,\n                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phog3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;sig=_KMy5kHH8iqf-0bMCAUO4g 2x\" alt=\"music downtown\" height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\"><\/picture><figcaption><span> Like a New Orleans funeral procession, volunteers on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, carried the Phog Lounge\u2019s heavy mosaic tile bar top through the downtown to the bar\u2019s new location on Erie Street East. There were a few stops at local drinking establishments along the way.<\/span> <span>Photo by Julie Kotsis<\/span> \/<span>Windsor Star<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Phog\u2019s next phase will be in collaboration with Craft Heads Brewing Company, another downtown bar leaving its 10-year spot in the core after an unexpected rent hike.<\/p>\n<p>Both bars are moving to a new location on Erie Street, adjacent to WindsorEats Food Hall.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s so much excitement about the new unit,\u201d said Craft Heads\u2019 co-owner Jason Barsotta.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s so much opportunity. We\u2019re already starting to pair up and do events with WindsorEats. We\u2019re really trying to turn that area into an arts and culture hub that we can continue to do multiple large events and festivals.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure data-aqa=\"embed-image\"><picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=9OUAA6qbaQMdbWdUTw1Vrg, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=qlmwwh0uJocS9-rL_WGJMQ 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=1lBHZd49qJsdmoSKEPYhBQ, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=RpZ55ycwT36-Sw4dJeCT7g 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"  type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=fPSVMVt3eCBPbt2xwoIpzQ, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=UzgvQdQywwHAuWaGiScttw 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=HaK-ufi-McY1fpAUIlM-Ag, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=KuNLZwnlVHIGgXhygm5mfQ 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"  type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=48704LRpQbNZwk8gcJShSA, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=Js0Y9PImr99oYBALiWMKYg 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;sig=NPDYgM4LZVFkpniG7D3WZA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;sig=NPDYgM4LZVFkpniG7D3WZA,\n                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge2.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;sig=BslgoOMglfvnwnK0ZTJPBA 2x\" alt=\"music downtown\" height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\"><\/picture><figcaption><span> \u2018It\u2019s a nice ending\u2019 \u2014 Phog Lounge, a longtime fixture in downtown Windsor, marked its final day on Jan. 2 while celebrating its 21st anniversary. The venue\u2019s owner Tom Lucier is shown behind the bar on Dec. 31, 2024.<\/span> <span>Photo by Madeline Mazak<\/span> \/<span>Windsor Star<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While construction is underway to prepare for an anticipated March opening, Lucier said the two establishments are teaming up to launch a temporary hybrid spot at 157 University Ave. W. in the meantime.<\/p>\n<p>The mashup, cleverly called Phog Heads, will be a \u201cmutant mess of the two ideas,\u201d said Lucier. It will also keep staff working and events rolling before the new location is ready.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>Craft Heads Brewing Company made the call to move last June after its five-year lease expired and the building\u2019s new owners nearly tripled the rent.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a really bittersweet situation, because we obviously wanted to stay downtown,\u201d said Barsotta. \u201cCircumstances just didn\u2019t allow for that to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Lucier said Phog Heads will soften the blow for those not ready to say goodbye to the two downtown bars.<\/p>\n<p>However, he said that much of Phog Lounge\u2019s character will transfer to the new location.<\/p>\n<p>Along with the mosaic bar, laid in 1993, Phog\u2019s hand-painted ceiling tiles, hot tub-shaped booth, and vintage televisions are also being packed up for the move.<\/p>\n<figure data-aqa=\"embed-image\"><picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=3QL7P8KBaOH6UTjk48wstA, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=2ZY2NiEs_-Yzygd6pMvzFg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=yIQi_HHb11T1qDXb7AZjgg, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=oL2Z5iGNV3h7BRFBm6B2sQ 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"  type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=tlM_zpe6GqlDkrB6USEq3A, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=WK2g2aEYpUqFf_UE3vzqow 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=pXov7Wd0ACpOBGymzav0Aw, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=HG1jEvOrjacuUMxA2r65ag 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"  type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=vOvpfJGghFUJ-SRClGD_1Q, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=9zxVDc_C63Mr8baSeFT93A 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;sig=jt16-z5qS04TA_L9fdc2pA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;sig=jt16-z5qS04TA_L9fdc2pA,\n                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge4.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;sig=_a66rNcYB-4Rt_mzS8Tn9A 2x\" alt=\"music downtown\" height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\"><\/picture><figcaption><span> The hand-painted ceiling tiles at Phog Lounge, set to make the move to the new Erie Street location, are shown on Dec. 31, 2024.<\/span> <span>Photo by Madeline Mazak<\/span> \/<span>Windsor Star<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The large fridge door, plastered in hundreds of band stickers and mostly hidden from view for years, will become a centrepiece at the new space.<\/p>\n<p>When Lucier first opened Phog Lounge with former co-owner Frank Incitti in 2004, he concedes that he didn\u2019t know much about booking entertainment, or even pouring a pint.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was not at all a thing that was supposed to be long-term,\u201d Lucier said.<\/p>\n<p>It didn\u2019t take long before musicians started reaching out to him, eager to play shows. The cramped, 60-person room became a magnet for local talent and big-name acts.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLo and behold, I didn\u2019t have to search for anybody <span>\u2014<\/span> they came to us,\u201d said Lucier.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt comes up in conversation among bands. When a band goes on tour, they tell their friends, \u2018Let\u2019s go to Windsor. We had a great time down there last time.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was the exponential growth of word-of-mouth experiences from bands coming here, either getting paid well or not getting paid well, and having the best show they\u2019ve had on tour.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure data-aqa=\"embed-image\"><picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=yYjVblem3g14hdKjAvl41w, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=xiJFwIC2_UB02P5jiA5uHg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=k141dJ3oatapxe1ZgbIOkg, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=idCTQqTR90gz-rZDM511cQ 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"  type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=1zTYSJOkcv9BzBtXXBUUlw, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=HxVXEWMePKZgdbaCO-XBig 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=qAK_N76A533q8qzoWJlOmQ, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=OK2hgygUeIE2awKxoc2SaA 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"  type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=CxWaMTGFRWn866T5ZH57Yw, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=ZRkWoxwL3yEXMTz7gi3wTA 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;sig=q0-Ck7chpFlczZ7fD2ujgA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;sig=q0-Ck7chpFlczZ7fD2ujgA,\n                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge3.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;sig=uAit1bDNT1G_QCvVwJJ1Fw 2x\" alt=\"music downtown\" height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\"><\/picture><figcaption><span> Phog Lounge owner Tom Lucier points out the fridge door covered in hundreds of band stickers on Dec. 31, 2024. Mostly hidden from public view, the door is set to become a centrepiece at the bar\u2019s new Erie Street location.<\/span> <span>Photo by Madeline Mazak<\/span> \/<span>Windsor Star<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One standout show for Lucier is when the popular Montreal indie rock band, The Dears, played the Phog stage.<\/p>\n<p>Another memorable name that toured through the Windsor venue was Owen Pallett, best known for his work with Arcade Fire.<\/p>\n<p>Canadian singer-songwriters Julie Doiron and Chad VanGaalen were among other headlining names to play for Windsor fans.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor me, the stuff that is lasting are groups like Five Alarm Funk, a 12-piece funk band that does not belong in this room, but they kept coming back,\u201d said Lucier.<\/p>\n<figure data-aqa=\"embed-image\"><picture><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=aswJqeeAzyemASBEcwTcsA, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=bNIZr5mvJEgLvrtIn72Y1w 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=564&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=19mDrWREKI6HtXUfEtAdYQ, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=1128&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=oh16EZaF8T-Db6zRVbRpQg 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"  type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=YSqG3lfrDDpKRYuK3sumsw, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=lt7diaUNM25vTYTue814IA 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=472&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=ms7jUVgmnNmm3dVAYuu2eg, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=944&#038;type=jpg&#038;sig=4O_JUxoAZD9cILNqYEj9qA 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"  type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=NAaMbol2s6bdb_zBvpVKzQ, \nhttps:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;type=webp&#038;sig=1iiq6ckwoLyahgCpJFfVZQ 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\"  type=\"image\/webp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;sig=pdnp0RxTA2obCQCcOkLJbQ\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=288&#038;sig=pdnp0RxTA2obCQCcOkLJbQ,\n                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/phoglounge5.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;w=576&#038;sig=K0cANK8rtrE9OAscskEMzQ 2x\" alt=\"music downtown\" height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\"><\/picture><figcaption><span> Vintage televisions are shown in the window of Phog Lounge on Dec. 31, 2024.<\/span> <span>Photo by Madeline Mazak<\/span> \/<span>Windsor Star<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Over the years, the venue also became a hub for local musicians.<\/p>\n<p>The Windsor-based blues-rock duo The Blue Stones played some of their earliest shows at Phog Lounge before becoming a widely touring band.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>Windsor-area trumpeter Russ Macklem recorded a live version of his debut album, The South Detroit Connection, at Phog Lounge, which went on to receive a Juno nomination for Jazz Album of the Year in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Asked how many musicians have performed on Phog\u2019s stage over the last 21 years, Lucier said the question was impossible to answer, but guessed <span>\u2014 <\/span>\u201cthousands.\u201d<\/p>\n<section aria-labelledby=\"moreTopicLabel3828045534787585072535896504401920\" data-aqa=\"embed-more-topic\" data-carousel-component data-carousel-icon-button data-carousel-type=\"list\">\n<p>Recommended from Editorial<\/p>\n<ol data-carousel-slide-list tabindex=\"0\">\n<li data-evt-val=\"{\"control_fields\": {\"mparticle\": {\"keys\": {\"click_source_type\": \"click_source_type\", \"data_source\": \"data_source\", \"anchor_text\": \"anchor_text\", \"widget_title\": \"widget_title\", \"target_url\": \"target_url\", \"target_article_title\": \"target_article_title\", \"target_article_id\": \"target_article_id\", \"target_article_position\": \"target_article_position\", \"layout_section\": \"layout_section\"}, \"mp_event_type\": \"Navigation\", \"extra_keys\": [\"click_vertical_position_percentage\", \"click_vertical_position_pixels\"]}}, \"click_source_type\": \"widget-list\", \"data_source\": \"editorial\", \"anchor_text\": \"Sign of the times? Changes ahead for two longtime downtown Windsor bars\", \"widget_title\": \"recommended-from-editorial\", \"target_url\": \"https:\/\/windsorstar.com\/news\/local-news\/sign-of-the-times-changes-ahead-for-two-longtime-downtown-windsor-bars\", \"target_article_title\": \"Sign of the times? Changes ahead for two longtime downtown Windsor bars\", \"target_article_id\": \"b49df7c7-d881-4085-b612-47e4727ae4c2\", \"target_article_position\": \"0\", \"layout_section\": \"recommended-from-editorial\"}\" data-carousel-item data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\"><a href=\"https:\/\/windsorstar.com\/news\/local-news\/sign-of-the-times-changes-ahead-for-two-longtime-downtown-windsor-bars\"> <picture><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"music Tom Lucier, owner of Phog Lounge, is shown outside his bar on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/phoglounge2.jpg?h=96&#038;strip=all&#038;quality=80&#038;sig=USAfBBli-jLtrC41Rcsh-g\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/phoglounge2.jpg?h=96&#038;strip=all&#038;quality=80&#038;sig=USAfBBli-jLtrC41Rcsh-g, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/phoglounge2.jpg?h=192&#038;strip=all&#038;quality=80&#038;sig=cAg5mPaIiwp5C_Q_5emnZg 2x,\n                                             https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/phoglounge2.jpg?h=288&#038;strip=all&#038;quality=80&#038;sig=jVFkclNw3ajWsSs_pRojOg 3x\" height=\"96\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\"><\/picture>\n<p><span>Sign of the times? Changes ahead for two longtime downtown Windsor bars<\/span><\/p>\n<p> <\/a><\/li>\n<li data-evt-val=\"{\"control_fields\": {\"mparticle\": {\"keys\": {\"click_source_type\": \"click_source_type\", \"data_source\": \"data_source\", \"anchor_text\": \"anchor_text\", \"widget_title\": \"widget_title\", \"target_url\": \"target_url\", \"target_article_title\": \"target_article_title\", \"target_article_id\": \"target_article_id\", \"target_article_position\": \"target_article_position\", \"layout_section\": \"layout_section\"}, \"mp_event_type\": \"Navigation\", \"extra_keys\": [\"click_vertical_position_percentage\", \"click_vertical_position_pixels\"]}}, \"click_source_type\": \"widget-list\", \"data_source\": \"editorial\", \"anchor_text\": \"Comedy Festival u2014 Windsor brewery move becomes a laughing matter\", \"widget_title\": \"recommended-from-editorial\", \"target_url\": \"https:\/\/windsorstar.com\/news\/local-news\/comedy-festival-windsor-brewery-move-becomes-a-laughing-matter\", \"target_article_title\": \"Comedy Festival u2014 Windsor brewery move becomes a laughing matter\", \"target_article_id\": \"cd73ceab-9495-49d8-9a53-3c6f773e8645\", \"target_article_position\": \"1\", \"layout_section\": \"recommended-from-editorial\"}\" data-carousel-item data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\"><a href=\"https:\/\/windsorstar.com\/news\/local-news\/comedy-festival-windsor-brewery-move-becomes-a-laughing-matter\"> <picture><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"music The Craft Heads Brewing Company bar in downtown Windsor is shown on Friday, August 2, 2024.\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/craftheads.jpg?h=96&#038;strip=all&#038;quality=80&#038;sig=dCCoVmlDRPWi-N184TzVVA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/craftheads.jpg?h=96&#038;strip=all&#038;quality=80&#038;sig=dCCoVmlDRPWi-N184TzVVA, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/craftheads.jpg?h=192&#038;strip=all&#038;quality=80&#038;sig=vTn6X99VMfn6EdYmkFoyPA 2x,\n                                             https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/windsorstar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/craftheads.jpg?h=288&#038;strip=all&#038;quality=80&#038;sig=Nc1v2bXE7cnAGSvqD0KqBg 3x\" height=\"96\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\"><\/picture>\n<p><span>Comedy Festival \u2014 Windsor brewery move becomes a laughing matter<\/span><\/p>\n<p> <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<p>On the busiest nights, the front windows fogged up. However, when the music faded and the band packed up, Phog Lounge became something more.<\/p>\n<p>It was a place where friends and strangers swapped stories at the bar, maybe over a pint and a late-night poutine \u2014 all the way to last call.<\/p>\n<p data-async><a data-evt-val=\"{\"control_fields\": {\"mparticle\": {\"keys\": {\"click_source_type\": \"click_source_type\", \"anchor_text\": \"anchor_text\", \"layout_section\": \"layout_section\"}, \"mp_event_type\": \"Navigation\", \"extra_keys\": [\"click_vertical_position_percentage\", \"click_vertical_position_pixels\"]}}, \"click_source_type\": \"in-page link\", \"anchor_text\": \"<span \n                data-original-string='bqVIK4Ff1AgWOHgBGtz9lg==7f4joqOzSz265z7s8cKsm+fJKaAMCO2B\/wkMIRNgmtk4cA='\n                class='apbct-email-encoder'\n                title='This contact has been encoded by Anti-Spam by CleanTalk. Click to decode. To finish the decoding make sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser.'>mm<span class=\"apbct-blur\">****<\/span>@<span class=\"apbct-blur\">*******<\/span>ia.com<\/span>&#8220;, &#8220;layout_section&#8221;: &#8220;in-page-link&#8221;}&#8221; data-evt=&#8221;click&#8221; data-evt-typ=&#8221;click&#8221; href=&#8221;http:\/\/windsorstar.com\/mailto:mm****@*******ia.com&#8221; data-original-string=&#8221;h\/qpLstfxDD30apbTHIJ5Q==7f4u4idxBRYFp8D\/TuSwIT0D1K0sOyWiz2rWWAOhw6o4yk=&#8221; title=&#8221;This contact has been encoded by Anti-Spam by CleanTalk. Click to decode. To finish the decoding make sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser.&#8221;><span \n                data-original-string='vmWh0KOpx2u3eYX52oV0lg==7f4NSg6HdFRNM4Ovb9iYQHfjGyAzRbj2KKEfkhOjRz9g4g='\n                class='apbct-email-encoder'\n                title='This contact has been encoded by Anti-Spam by CleanTalk. Click to decode. To finish the decoding make sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser.'>mm<span class=\"apbct-blur\">****<\/span>@<span class=\"apbct-blur\">*******<\/span>ia.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/windsorstar.com\/news\/local-news\/last-call-phog-lounge-lugs-away-bar-as-it-departs-downtown-windsor\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Music Published Jan 07, 2025 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 4 minute read Heave-ho! The distinctive \u2014 and heavy \u2014 Phog Lounge mosaic tile bar top was removed from its longtime location on University Avenue West on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, and carried by volunteers to the bar&#8217;s new location on Erie Street East. Photo by Julie Kotsis \/Windsor [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":821198,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[131522],"class_list":["post-821197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-business-news","tag-podcast-music"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/821197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=821197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/821197\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/821198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=821197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=821197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=821197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}