Local Eatery Closes Leaving Musicians Without a Performance Space

A local restaurant is shutting its doors, leaving musicians looking for a new place to perform. For the past five years Shiraz has been a place for Persian food and live music, and its closure leaves a gap in the local music scene.

Owner Reza Akbari is packing up the Parkwood location, citing rising overhead operating costs as the main reason why he’s shutting his doors. The closure of Shiraz isn’t just the loss of a restaurant, but a stage that was frequented by local performers, ranging from those just starting out to the internationally acclaimed. During the 5 years, the award-winning restaurant was open two hundred and eighty-six musicians performed on the restaurant’s stage.

Local musician and promoter Danny Bell says the loss of Shiraz is great as it was a place for great food and entertainment. Bell is already looking for new places for musicians to perform.
 
Mayor Lyn Hall says the loss of the restaurant is a great one, as it was a great reflection of the culture in the city. Efforts continue by the city to bring greater art and cultural presence to the downtown.