The Windup Space, a multi-use arts space that has anchored the Station North arts district for more than a decade, will close on June 1, the venue announced last night.
This Thursday marks the venue’s 11th anniversary.
“We’ve had the pleasure of sharing our love for the strange and beautiful things that Baltimore has to offer with our own special blend of programming,” the venue posted. “We hope you found the things you were looking for and discovered some new things that you will never forget.”
More than any other space in Station North–and the whole city, really–The Windup Space catered to just about every genre of music, and the rest of its schedule was even more varied. It was the kind of place where you could see an art opening one night, play board games the next and see a B-movie the night after that.
Russell de Ocampo, a bartender and local music scene veteran, opened the space in 2008, joining the ranks of the Metro Gallery, Club Charles, Charles Theatre and Joe Squared as early destinations in the Station North neighborhood.
At some point, the stage was decorated to take on the look of the Red Room from “Twin Peaks.”
And when not hosting an exhibit premiere, a video game night or a jazz show, The Windup Space has served as a reliable, low-key neighborhood watering hole. City Paper named de Ocampo Best Bartender in 2010, praising him as the kind of barkeep who “takes the time to learn your name, talk to you for a bit, make you feel like you’re in a social gathering spot rather than a business.”
We’ve reached out to de Ocampo for comment on the pending closure.
WOW–so very sad to learn of this. I love this place–went to Lafayette Gilchrist’s 50th birthday party here, heard him play with the New Volcanoes here, several times. Came to art openings. This closing leaves another hole on the block. Windup–you will be missed.
I have no words. I hope Russell opens another venue soon. I will miss my hang out spot.