The Gallery Bar prepares to open in former Le Place. Here's everything that we know.
NEW BEDFORD -- In August 2023, longtime LGBTQ+ club Le Place announced it would be closing down. Then in December, the ownership positioned to take over pulled out of their commitment shocking the community.
Now, three new co-owners are stepping up to the plate.
"We had to keep it going for the community," said Marco Moura, co-owner and visionary behind The Gallery Bar to open at 20 Kenyon St.
As a long-time guest of Le Place, he said he was on his couch with his husband Matt Spink when he read the news that Club 11-13 was no longer pursuing plans to re-open Le Place.
"I stood up and said, that's it. It's time to do it. We have to keep this going," he said.
Three longtime Le Place regulars take on the space
Partnering with Spink as well as another Le Place regular and local photographer Jes Fritze, would frequent the bar and connect with other LGBTQ+ friends, the trio said it was important to them that the community continues to have a home.
"If I had a bad day, I could go there. And I always had a shoulder to lean on. There was always somebody there no matter who it was," Moura said.
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Le Place had been the backdrop for several events of the last four decades. It was always part of New Bedford Pride as well as the venue for several LGBTQ+ events throughout the year. In 2018, in honor of National Coming Out Day, the South Coast LGBTQ Network held a phone bank in support of "Yes on 3" at Le Place.
In 2006, after the Puzzles Lounge attack that wounded three, most of the LGBTQ+ community sought refuge at Le Place to comfort each other and stand strong.
The club also holds weekly karaoke, bingo and other events such as its popular "Drink & Be Ugly Sweater Fundraiser" during the holidays and its tea parties the third Sunday of every month, which Club 11-13 hopes to continue.
"There's nothing else like this, at all, in New Bedford for us," Spink added.
The Gallery Club works to be ready by Spring 2024
Hoping to reopen by Spring 2024, the plan is to not only continue to offer an all inclusive spot that honors the LGBTQ+ community but also is a spot that goes beyond the average nighttime club.
"We want to give a platform for anybody that is in our community or outside that wants to express themselves," Moura said.
"We want it to be not only a bar, but we want it to be like a community center. So people can actually partake in different activities."
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Hoping to be the another great hotspot for members of the LGBTQ+ community between The Cape and Providence, The Gallery Bar will not only have drag shows but also paint nights and other fun activities.
"We also wanted to include the gallery wall, we have two walls that we're going to dedicate to local artists, so they can display their art," Fritze said.
The community excited over prospects of The Gallery Bar
The news of The Gallery Bar taking over Le Place on Facebook went viral on Jan. 3, well-received by fans and members of the LGBTQ+ community garnering over 200 likes and 90 comments.
"Can’t wait to see the new space and enjoy some entertainment here. Been awhile since I’ve been to LePlace. This is going to be exciting. I’m happy to know my little city will still have a space for us to go and be ourselves" wrote Scott Monty on Facebook.
"So happy for you all! Sending so much love and positivity your way and looking forward to celebrating with you all!" wrote Shawnie LaFrance.
Moura said he is excited by the support of the community and can't wait to reopen so he can be reunited with everyone.
"We want to carry on the legacy, but want to do it out way. We are gonna change it up," Moura said.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports.Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: The Gallery Bar to open in former LGBTQ+ club, Le Place
