The Handlebar: A Reflection On Reopening, Its Evolution, and Its Present State
This legendary venue has earned its place in the storied history of Pensacola's music scene, where anybody can "be somebody".
If you’re a concert junkie and you live in the Pensacola area, you’ve likely either been to or heard of The Handlebar. The Handlebar has been a key establishment within Pensacola’s music scene for years, although it has had its fair share of bumps in the road. After being forced to close twice, once in 2001 due to a massive fire and a second time in 2018, The Handlebar has proven its endurance by coming back each time stronger than before. Since its reopening in 2022, The Handlebar has continued to establish itself as a haven for musicians, concert-goers, and the alternative community as a whole.
I still remember the commotion caused by The Handlebar’s reopening. Before its return, the primary concert settings I attended in Pensacola were Vinyl Music Hall and Easygoing Gallery (now known as Subculture). Even though I moved to Pensacola during The Handlebar’s second hiatus, I had heard the venue's name thrown around briefly in conversation; after its first concert in 2022, though, it was all anyone could talk about. The building was revamped with a new eclectic grunge-y interior, along with a decked-out stage and sound system; overall, the new building greatly appealed to both first time visitors of The Handlebar and long-time attendees checking out the bar’s newest iteration.
The first few weeks of the venue’s reopening were hectic according to Handlebar manager Robert Goodspeed, but it was nothing the venue's staff couldn't handle. Any concerns that may have arisen were overshadowed by The Handlebar's driving purpose: to provide a home for the music scene and those who surround it. The Handlebar is a prime local music supporter, after all; whether it’s because a band’s members are too young to get into a venue, because other locations are practically impossible to book with, or simply because many traditional bars don’t often book alternative bands, many bands would be left without a venue to play in without The Handlebar. So, Goodspeed and others worked tirelessly to work out the kinks; needless to say, looking at where The Handlebar is over two years later, it’s clear that their effort more than paid off. Once the crew got used to the business practices involved in running both a bar and a venue, it was smooth sailing.
The Handlebar's vibe is impeccable, not only because of its diverse decor but because of the dynamic it creates between a band/performer and the audience. The stage, lit by hanging vintage-looking bulbs and colorful spotlights, is just elevated enough so the crowd can get a good view of the performance, but not too high so that those in the front row have to crane their necks. This makes each show a personal experience for both the audience and the artists, as those amplified connections between audience members and the artist they came to see further enhance the performance especially for the fans, which makes each concert that much more memorable.
Although music is still the central focus of The Handlebar, the institution has expanded its horizons beyond just hosting concerts. While the venue now boasts events such as dance parties and comedian sets, some of the most notable functions have been its charity events and small business-focused markets. Some of my favorite memories of The Handlebar are from the venue’s extensive thrift/vintage markets, which not only give local vendors a new business opportunity, but bring the community together to appreciate small businesses in the area outside of Pensacola's weekly Palafox Market and monthly Gallery Night.
The Handlebar’s goals have stayed the same since its inception, and Goodspeed notes that these goals will continue to keep The Handlebar thriving. The Handlebar offers a unique, counterculture-centric spot to diversify Pensacola’s nightlife and give the Gulf Coast music scene a glimpse into the city’s flourishing alt community. It has been one of my favorite venues to frequent, not only because of its vast array of hosted artists, but because of the sense of unity it cultivates. Hanging on The Handlebar stage’s back wall is the silver-plated mantra “be somebody,” and the locale allows its attendees to do just that, whether they're on the stage presenting their passion to the world or supporting the scene from the pit.
To learn more about The Handlebar and stay up-to-date on their event schedule, be sure to check out their website and follow them on FaceBook and Instagram.
And of course you can always find all the upcoming Handlebar shows right here on our Show Calendar:
Andy Hudson