Amidst the lively atmosphere of Icehouse on Wednesday night, a haunting lyric echoed throughout the venue: “It’s the end of the innocent / the end of the line.” For owner Brian Liebeck, the lyrics seemed eerily prophetic as he faced the news of a lawsuit threatening to evict his beloved supper club-style music venue for unpaid rent.
Icehouse, a cornerstone of Minneapolis’s vibrant music scene, has been a haven for local musicians and music lovers alike since its inception in 2012. But behind the scenes, the club has been grappling with financial challenges, including rising labor costs and a significant rent increase. Despite receiving government support during the COVID-19 pandemic, these recent setbacks have taken a toll.
Despite the adversity, Liebeck remains determined to keep Icehouse open. He has brought in new partners, invested in a state-of-the-art sound system, and renovated the venue. He has also been in negotiations with the property owners to reach a new lease agreement, but those efforts have stalled.
The news of the eviction threat has sent shockwaves through the Twin Cities music community. Artists, patrons, and community members have rallied around Icehouse, pledging their support and voicing their belief in its importance to the local music landscape.
A wide range of celebrated Twin Cities artists are scheduled to perform at Icehouse in the coming days, including neo-soul star PaviElle, piano groover Cornbread Harris, and acoustic guitar master Phil Heywood. For now, all shows are going on as planned, and Liebeck is committed to continuing the venue’s legacy as a platform for local artists and a gathering place for music enthusiasts.
