Music Matters: Handlebar talent buyer calls it quits

“I have to give it up for my own health and sanity,” Beav Kenoyer said.

In November, The Handlebar’s talent buyer announced that he is hanging it up. His six-year run ends on New Year’s Eve, but the wild, late-night hardcore, punk and hip-hop shows aren’t the reason.

“The scene is not what it used to be,” he said. “Most people would rather sit at home and watch Netflix or Hulu than actually take a chance and check out a local show.”

The gig is a gamble. Months of planning and securing guarantees for shows were sometimes rewarded with low turnouts and money coming out of his pocket to cover losses. But Kenoyer kept booking bands for one reason.

“I did it because I loved attending shows and wanted to bring that joy to others,” he said.

He gave a stage on which local groups and touring acts could grow. He watched indie bands like Cleveland duo Mr. Gnome go from playing to 40 people a few years ago to rocking a 300-capacity sell-out last December.

The memories of booking bands in one of Pensacola’s most historic music venues are behind Kenoyer, as he looks to the future.

“I need to focus a little less on my dreams and a little more on reality,” he said.

Tuesday, Beav’s Birthday/Good Riddance Explosion of Local Talent show takes over The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St. Black Titan, Unnatural Soundz, Blight, Dee Villain and Satan & the Sunbeams will perform. Local comedian Bubbs Harris will host the show and lead a roast of Kenoyer. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 of you are 21 years old or older; $10 if you are younger than 21. To buy tickets online, visit www.pensacolahandlebar.

Harry Potter Yule Ball

Tonight, enjoy a night of wizards, witches and Muggles as Pensacon presents the Harry Potter Yule Ball at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 Palafox Place. Events include a cosplay/costume contest, a video DJ and Grand Theft Audio performing ’80s and ’90s “Muggle-Rock” as Dumbledore’s Army. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets for this 18-and-older event are $10. There is an additional $5 charge for all attendees younger than 21. To buy tickets online, visit www.vinylmusichall.com.

AJ’s Bravehearts

Wednesday, AJ’s Bravehearts present a night of local rock at Vinyl Music Hall benefiting Toys For Tots. Gotham City Troubadour headlines the bill that includes Foreseen, Coastal Fire, Palafoxx and Invade The Space. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event is free if you’re 21 years old or older; $5 if you’re younger than 21. Everyone is encouraged to take a new unwrapped toy.

TOP TEN

Carlos Martinez, artist/writer

1. “This Year’s Model,” Elvis Costello.

2. “Remain in Light,” Talking Heads.

3. “Power, Corruption & Lies,” New Order.

4. “London Calling,” The Clash.

5. “Y,” The Pop Group.

6. “The Modern Dance,” Pere Ubu.

7. “Fear of Music,” Talking Heads.

8. “Boys Don’t Cry,” The Cure.

9. “Zenyatta Mondatta,” The Police.

10. “Drums and Wires,” XTC.

Send us your Top 10

Share your Top 10 albums with the world. Send your selections to pnjmusic@yahoo.com.