Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Keith McCord reporting Robbie Krieger, who was a member of The Doors, and wrote all their big hits.
The big, brassy sound of Tower of Power.
John McEuen, of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; Bela Fleck and The Flectones.
Big names, famous names. And they all played at The Zephyr Club. Usually to a loud, packed house!
Otto Mileti/ Owner, The Zephyr Club: "TITO PUENTE, SHEILA E. GEE, THERE'S BEEN SO MANY. GEORGE THOROUGHGOOD PUT ON AN INCREDIBLE SHOW HERE ONCE, AND THAT WAS JUST 3 DAYS AFTER ROBERT PALMER WAS HERE."
There was nothing fancy about The Zephyr-- a small stage in front of that huge glass-block wall; a dance floor out front, surrounded by tables.
An intimate venue, where unknown acts could get some exposure; and the veterans could kick back and try some new things.
Otto Mileti/ Owner, The Zephyr Club: "DURING THE OLYMPICS SHERYL CROW PLAYED HERE. AND SHE WAS ON STAGE, AND SHE SAID THIS IS SUCH A NICE CLUB.-- AND IT WAS JUST A NICE THING TO HEAR FROM HER. SHE HAD A GREAT TIME."
The Zephyr Club is moving out because the property owners have other plans for the building.
So, this coming week, The Zephyr will call it quits-- temporarily anyway. There will be a huge going-away-party on Tuesday; it's final night will be Halloween.
"YOU KNOW, 20 YEARS IS A LONG TIME TO BE ANYWHERE. I'M SORT OF SAD ON ONE SIDE, AND HAPPY ON THE OTHER THAT I CAN MOVE ON AND START A NEW AT A BIGGER AND BETTER BUILDING."
What made The Zephyr unique was that it hosted all types of musical acts: from mainstream to the unusual.
One of my favorites was the group called "Pianosaurus". They played toy instruments they bought from the neighborhood toy store. And they didn't sound half bad!
The Zephyr will re-open in a new location probably next spring. The owners are currently rennovating the space in the United Electric Building a block away at 4th South and West Temple.
