Due to an exponential rise in Covid-19 cases in Mono County, the T-Bar Social Club in June Lake has closed its daytime bar operations. However, live music shows for people with proof of vaccination will continue.
“The honor system does not work,” Jamie Schectman said. “I don’t want to be host of a superspreader event. I really thought we were past it.”
“As a small business owner, I want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. I’ve observed virtually every single person that’s entered the bar is not wearing a mask and we know half the population is not vaccinated. I feel the responsible thing for me to do to help reduce the transmission is to suspend operations for a while.”
On May 7, the T-Bar Social Club was one of the the first – if not the very first – venue to put on a show in which proof of vaccination was required. The band, The Nomads, are from Lake Tahoe, about 125 miles north of June Lake. There have been about a half-dozen more shows since, with three more scheduled in August and another six in September.
A reggae band from Los Angeles, Intent, will perform Wednesday.
Schectman said at every show he’s had, people have thanked him for providing a safe venue. He’s also been criticized on social media, with many writing that they will not do business there again. June Pie, a take-out pizzeria, is Schectman’s business in the upstairs part of the building.
“Providing a safe place for those vaccinated live-music lovers to enjoy themselves is more important than ever,” Schectman said.
While Schectman is a vanguard of social policy, he is not alone. The Torch Club in Sacramento requires proof of vaccination for entry, as do three famous New Orleans venues: Tipitina’s, Maple Leaf Bar and d.b.a.
Wednesday’s band features well-known musicians Ronnie “Stepper” McQueen the original bass player in Steel Pulse and singer Eric Walsh who played in the Canadian band Messenjah!!
- T-Bar Social Club
2588 CA-158, June Lake - Upcoming shows
Wednesday, Aug. 4: Intent
Aug. 15: Metalachi
Aug. 18: The Trespassers
Sept. 1: Ally Venable
Sept. 9: The Storytellers, June Lake Jam Fest pre-party
Sept. 11: Lightning Dan & the Crawdads, June Lake Jam Fest after-party
Sept. 12: All Star Jam, June Lake Jam Fest after-party
Sept. 25: New Wave Crave
Oct. 30: The Sextones, third annual Halloween Bash
Dec. 31: Jelly Bread, funky New Year’s Eve Party
April 20, 2022: Pato Banton, 420 Celebration
