Kaw Valley Public House, a North Lawrence venue known for showcasing local musicians, is closing.
In its nearly four years of operation, KVPH held hundreds of open jams, mic nights, and concerts featuring local artists.
Lonnie Fisher, of Shawnee, and his band Lonnie Fisher and the Funeral started playing at the venue shortly after it opened in February 2019. They were scheduled to play on Saturday — which will be KVPH’s last night.
After finding out about KVPH’s closure from an article from I Heart Local Music, Fisher had to make sure he was still scheduled to play.
“I’m very sad to hear about the closing of KVPH,” Fisher said. “(Owner) Jeff (Groves) has been such a great supporter of the LFK scene. So many artists of all styles have made a home there.”
Fisher said he didn’t know the details surrounding the closure but he speculated that the pandemic had a major impact.
“KVPH will be missed,” Fisher said. “KVPH was a comfy place. This is a real gut punch for all of us. It’s important that towns make a true effort to support our venues or more will disappear.”
KVPH was made possible by longtime friends who appreciate the history of North Lawrence and the building at 444 Locust St., and by “the hope that the space would someday host some laughs, some hugs and maybe some good music,” according to the venue’s website.
“We hope to cultivate an inviting and comfortable vibe for people from all walks of life, their kids, dogs, cats, ferretts…… hell we don’t care as long as everyone and everything is friendly. We hope to continue to support local musicians and the music they create,” the website continues. “We also hope to host some regional and national acts as they bring their music to North Lawrence. Come on down and enjoy the community, family, friends and music.”
Groves could not immediately be reached Saturday evening.
Read more about the pub’s story in this article from the Pitch.
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Chansi Long (she/her) reported for The Lawrence Times from July 2022 through August 2023. Read more of her work for the Times here.
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