Bellingham's Nightlight Goes Out, Owner Actually Communicates with Public

Maybe when your club is as steeped in musical history and genetically bound to its host city as the Crocodile Cafe, explaining a sudden shut-down is embarrassing. Maybe a public statement is too daunting a task. Maybe a background in law teaches you to keep your mouth shut. Whatever the reason, Stephanie Dorgan could pick up some PR tips from Matt Feigenbaum, owner of Bellingham's just put-to-rest Nightlight Lounge.

Feigenbaum sent a 1500-word "formal announcement" and shout-out email to everyone on the Nightlight's mailing list last week, just days before the club ended its three-and-a-half year run. While not nearly as much of a nostalgic loss to its city as the Croc's demise was to ours, the Nightlight was—in our infrequent visitor's mind—Bellingham's finest, classiest club. (Great, cheap beer? Check. Intimate atmosphere? Check. Tables with great sightlines? Padded chairs? Pool tables? Featured art? Biohazard-free bathrooms? Yeah. The place would have out-classed most of Seattle's clubs, too.)

Everyone knows what puts the final nail in the coffin of a small club, but between Dorgan and Feigenbaum, only the latter put it into public words:

Money. Ultimately, not enough of it. That’s why this decision had to be made. Specifically, it was the debt incurred getting The Nightlight open and operating it under financial duress every single day. We tried our damndest to clear the debt as fast as we could, in fact made tremendous progress, but it eventually got the best of us.

Feigenbaum admits to more than just a lack of funds. He cites his own "inexperience," too, saying, "Compounding all of this, I made tons of mistakes along the way."

Dorgan’s mistakes, though many and publicly dished, weren’t something she cared to address—or admit to.

Feigenbaum's honesty is complemented with equal parts justifiable pride and gracious humility—messages we didn't hear from Dorgan, who could have (rightfully) expounded on her contribution to Seattle's nightlife and to the country's musicultural memory.

The Nightlight accomplished some pretty amazing and extraordinary things in its all-too-brief 3.5 year existence. I am heartbroken right now, but I am also so fucking proud of The Nightlight, of what we accomplished, of what The Nightlight represents, of The Nightlight’s contribution to Bellingham’s rich and diverse musical history, and of the fact that The Nightlight (hopefully) is now part of a bigger picture, a bigger vision spearheaded by the true pioneers of Bellingham music ... It has truly been my honor and privilege, folks.

Bellingham's club owner also thanks a multitude of people, bands, and items of inspiration—from Dan Savage to Rick Rubin to bacon—that helped keep Feigenbaum motivated and the Nightlight open as long as it was. And the appreciation-train doesn't stop there:

I would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, every single customer that passed through The Nightlight’s doors. Thank you for your patronage and support. Thank you for supporting live music. I hope that you will continue to do so for as long as you shall live.

I would like to thank every single artist and performer that has graced The Nightlight’s stage and walls. Thank you for creating art. Thank you for sharing it. Thank you for leaving it all on the stage every damn night. Thank you for inspiring me and countless others.

When Dorgan decided to hang it up, she left an abrupt message with her booking agent: "I have to close the Crocodile immediately." Buh-bye employees, patrons, bands, drunks, memories—happy Xmas! No one's heard much from her since.

No clue what Dorgan’s got lined up, either. But Feigenbaum says he'll definitely get into the club business again (in Bellingham). He wraps up his message with this: "I will shut up now." That's exactly what the Croc's owner did—without issuing explanations, thanks or well-wishes.

Kudos to Matt Feigenbaum for reciprocating the respect of his city and live-music-loving public.

Crocodile Cafe Windows by Flickr pool contributor Todd Sackmann.