Happy Birthday to the One and Only House of TARG
We couldn’t let this weekend pass without saying a few words about House of TARG. It’s been one full year since TARG opened its doors to a huge crowd of excited new patrons — a motley crew of individuals that came together on that first day and were the first to join the legion of TARGians that frequent the Hall of Wizards.
I guess we’ll start off by saying that House of TARG is definitely one of the crucial hubs in Ottawa’s music scene. Owners Paul ‘Yogi’ Granger, Mark McHale, and Kevin Birger have taken a wild idea and made it into a reality. Combining a music venue, pinball/arcade, and perogies sounds like a pretty loopy concept in this day in age. To the average concertgoer, modern gamer, or food connoisseur, one might think that it would be difficult to attract people in town to a dark basement in a reasonably quiet part of town in Old Ottawa South. The sound of punk rock, grease simmering, and dings from the pinball machines — who would want that?
Well, a shitload of people it turns out. The owners have successfully created an atmosphere that bleeds nostalgia, bringing together anyone from toddlers to grey-haired rockers that cut their chops in seedy basement venues. But not only that, they have made TARG a place for all of us to feel at home. No matter where you’re from, what your background is, what you look like — all are made to feel welcome inside the walls of TARG. Their perogies are a damn good treat, too.
Without rambling for too long, it should be said that House of TARG really does embody the DIY ethic that thrives in Ottawa. Being musicians and having been deeply involved in the scene for so long, the owners know what it means to think up a crazy idea — whether it’s a band, a business, or festival — and just make it happen. Every time I hear of a new band forming or a young kid picking up a guitar for the first time, I think of how this kind of DIY attitude defines the character of so many great people, places, and things in Ottawa. TARG is a space that is a product of this kind of attitude, and that’s what keeps it going strong.
The community supports TARG, and they in turn support the community. They take chances on new bands, they appreciate hard work and always show their love for others in Ottawa supporting the scene in their own way. They encourage a safe, family-friendly atmosphere while simultaneously maintaining a unique sense of ‘cool.’ There aren’t many places where you’ll find a seven-year-old and 37-year-old (one of which probably wearing a leather jacket) playing games beside each other and having equal fun doing so.
So, we raise our glass to you, TARG. To Yogi, Ska Jeff, Josh ‘Remi Royale’ Grace, and the entire crew — thank you for pushing boundaries, being fearless, and allowing your patrons the opportunity to find their inner child again. To many years of button-mashing and pinball wizardry ahead.
Your friends,
Matías, Eric & Joe
Ottawa Showbox