After a longer road than anticipated, Black Pug Live is officially open. 

The new intimate venue, nestled inside the Black Pug record store, held its first show a few weeks ago and has quickly set its sights on becoming a consistent home for live music in Bathurst. The vision is straightforward but ambitious: live music every weekend, across every genre, with a genuine focus on original music. 

“I want to bring live music, bring original music, bring whatever I can to the people of Bathurst,” says Pierre Doucet. It’s a mission rooted in a real gap in the local scene. With the closures of The Tumbleweed Fry House & Bar and Lou’s Pub in recent years, the city lost two beloved live music spaces. Black Pug Live hopes to step in and fill that void.

The venue holds up to 100 people for standing shows, with room for about 50 when tables and chairs are set up. Upcoming programming already includes metal shows and monthly country nights, with plans for rock and roll bingo, trivia nights, karaoke, open jam sessions, and a cinema club. Corporate events, birthday parties, and private bookings are also welcome.

One of the more refreshing aspects of the venture is its mission to collaborate and not compete with Southside Lounge, Bathurst’s other main live music space. Black Pug Live plans to coordinate their programming to ensure music fans never have to choose between shows.

Since this is a live event venue, using generative AI instead of musicians to create any backing tracks is not a fit for this stage.

The venue is currently operating all-ages events and 19+ now that they’ve received their liquor license.. Coming up, Black Pug Live will have music from Jeff&Kev and Mitch Rayner who will be playing outdoors for free as part of the Downtown Shopping Night from 4-8PM. That evening there will be a metal show with Ontario’s Death Perception, Halifax’s TURBO and Bathurst’s own Smoke.

On June 27th, there will be a Young Band Showcase featuring several local bands. Black Pug Live will also host an after-party for the downtown block party on July 31st, keeping the night going from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

We want to thank Pierre Doucet for everything that he’s doing for the community and we wish him the best on his new venture.

Well that’s it for another edition of the Northern Heat Report. The place you come to listen to the stories that have not yet been discovered.