Despite much speculation on social media, there are no definite answers yet about how a fire Friday morning at the Curve Inn started. An official investigation is scheduled to begin Monday.
Ami Merchant, who co-owns the popular bar, restaurant and music venue with her husband, Ray, said in a Facebook post that she and several employees were at the business Feb. 20 when smoke was seen coming from the beer garden area to the south of the main building around 9 a.m. Everyone got out safely and soon the Springfield Fire Department arrived to battle the blaze. Within a few hours the fire was out, but the damage was extensive.
Merchant expressed her concern for the 48 employees of the business and thanked the first responders from Springfield Fire Department and CWLP. She concluded by saying, “We will be transparent and let everyone know (the results of the investigation) because this isn’t just our home, it’s yours, too. We appreciate y’all so much.”
Hundreds of comments and tributes on social media show the enduring and caring reach of the Curve Inn, which often reserved Sundays for fundraisers, celebrations of life and other charitable events. Most speak of the place as “a home” and the employees as “family,” showing the dedication and commitment from the owners and the crew responsible for making the place a staple and a leader in the community.
Longtime sound engineer Ric Major, who designed and ran the sound and lights for the meticulously kept stage area and guided the live music direction told IT, ”People have opened their hearts in the community to help out with the situation. We don’t know what will happen until we know more about why.”
Major, known to many as “Skip” or “Skippy,” has had other house gigs at several prominent venues, but this one, the latest, was really a home. He said he was considering retiring soon, so he’s not sure what will happen if they decide to rebuild, but you can be sure he will be involved in whatever happens next. His connections, dedication and abilities are embedded in the fabric of the Springfield music scene.
Many local musicians and customers have driven by to take pictures and pay respects to the space. Zach Fedor was there on Saturday afternoon, having traveled from his current home in Chicago to visit family in the area. He spoke fondly of his time at the Curve.
“I played here inside the main building when I was 16, just starting to play out, and I’ve been back with my band and friends just last year,” Fedor said. “This place just means so much to all of us in the music scene. It’s heartbreaking to see, but I know if they can, they will get it going again.”
In the last week alone, the Curve hosted a Valentine’s Day dinner with music, a special live music show showcasing several singers and the annual Fat Tuesday party, all featuring dozens of working musicians.
A woman stopped by Saturday afternoon and asked what happened. She was there to meet friends for lunch and hadn’t known there had been a fire. She was stunned, and before driving away in disbelief, she said what many are feeling right now: “Well, what will we do now without this place being here?”
Family members of the Curve Inn owners started a GoFundMe site for the employees, raising nearly $50,000 since Friday and also opened an account at INB named “Employees of the Curve Inn.” Many area bars and businesses have created ways for customers to donate in cash.
The Springfield music community responded with overwhelming support, including plans for a benefit concert (date to be determined) and musicians offering to donate a night’s pay, as well as many heartfelt tributes on social media offering condolences and thanks for incredible live music through the years. Other venues are taking on the already scheduled bands since the Curve was fully booked two or three days a week for months.
Merchant’s most recent social media posts indicates they will rebuild if at all possible and also asks other businesses needing help to hire the currently out of work folks from the Curve Inn.
Brandy Kristin, who was scheduled to play the Friday night of the fire, will host a benefit show with her band and guest musicians from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at Firefighters Postal Lake Club. It will serve as a benefit for Curve Inn employees and a way for folks to get together, visit, commiserate and plan after this unfortunate event.
