Nightlight turns eight

The Nightlight has never been afraid to get weird. A glimpse at the beloved local venue’s website proves just as much — scattered between touring acts and local pop and rock favorites, you’ll find dance installations, home-brewed beer festivals and area noise showcases.

But on the eve of its eighth year of business, the club’s next move is uncertain. As its anniversary show — featuring Spider Bags and D. Charles Speer, among others —looms large, the space and the fans who frequent it look ahead to an uncertain future.

Alexis Mastromichalis, the Nightlight’s owner, has been around to see plenty of changes since she took over in 2004.

“Every year something changes,” she said. “The biggest change is probably obviously transitioning from Skylight Exchange and getting our liquor license.”

Initially, the club shared its space with the Skylight Exchange, which served sandwiches and sold books and records. For some that remember the space as it once was, the transition was a welcome one.

“I always would play a show there and then I’d get a cold or something afterwards,” said Dan McGee, Spider Bags’ guitarist and vocalist. “It’s nice that they cleared all that out. It’s a cool place.”

The atmosphere might have shifted, but one thing has been a constant in the venue’s past — its support of fringe arts, be they visual, sonic or somewhere in between.

“I like that there’s a venue where you can just go and see noise music. The Nightlight’s always been the noise venue in town,” McGee said.

“I think for me it’s always been trying to always stay with the mission of experimental and contemporary work — not just noise, not just performance art,” Mastromichalis said.

But that doesn’t mean the club restricts itself to a single genre. “It could be an experimental night with video or a Townes Van Zandt, Pink Floyd tribute night, you know,” she said.

One look at the roster of bands that have played the Nightlight in the past proves just that — everyone from Animal Collective to Ariel Pink has made music in the intimate, stage-less space.

“We’ve hosted Love Language, Megafaun, Des Ark, all of these big names — Lost in the Trees, many, many times — and it’s really amazing when those talented artists come back to the space,” Mastromichalis said. “They’ll make a lot of money, but they’re not going to make as much as the Cradle, because of the capacity.”

Despite the venue’s laundry list of big names, financial hardship has taken a toll, and in an area where new clubs are springing up regularly, it can be difficult to maintain an economic foothold.

“I think it’s the nature of the business,” Mastromichalis said. “There definitely is more competition.”

Nick Williams, owner of Durham’s the Pinhook, has experienced similar financial difficulties.

“I think the recession has something to do with it, and I also think the other reason that has something to do with it is a positive,” he said. “That’s just that there are more options.”

Economic uncertainty aside, the venue has other issues to tackle if it will remain open in coming years. With a lease that’s about to run out, there are plenty of details left to resolve.

“I’ve done this for going on eight years, and I’m kind of looking to pass it on,” Mastromichalis said.

“I’m a really positive person. I feel like somebody else will step up to the plate, because at the time when I took over, I stepped up to the plate,” she said.

No matter what direction the space takes, Mastromichalis has faith that it will prosper in one form or another.

“The reason why I still do Nightlight is because I’m constantly getting exposed to amazing art and people,” she said.

And to her, it’s this very enthusiasm and community that has kept the venue in business to date.

“I think keeping our ideals and values to our hearts has made the space successful.”

Contact the Diversions Editor at diversions@dailytarheel.com.