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The lights go out.

The crowded, boisterous narrow room goes silent.

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Suddenly, the lights come on again and the music starts up. The diverse franglo audience is swaying all as one, embodying the venue’s eclectic programming and communal soul.

It’s a timeless scene, but it won’t last forever.

On March 18, the lights at Divan Orange will go out for good.

After 13 years and hosting early shows by the likes of Patrick Watson, Leif Vollebekk and Coeur de pirate, the controversial St-Laurent Blvd. club is going bankrupt. The co-operative that runs the venue has cited a history of noise complaints as well as rent and tax increases as issues that have led to the closure. It’s a problem that has become familiar among small venues in the Plateau and Mile End, the province and arguably the world.

“It was in these places that we started to connect with more people and also worked out new songs in front of them,” said Arcade Fire’s Tim Kingsbury, who also performs under the name Sam Patch. “Small venues are really great for connecting with a few people as opposed to a big crowd. It’s special to be that close with the people who you are performing for. It’s intimate.”