Footage from The Meteor Guitar Gallery’s final open mic night. Credit: Ramsay Ball.
The Meteor Guitar Gallery is leaving its longtime location with just a few weeks to prepare.
Les Key and his family opened The Meteor in the historic building at 128 W. Central Avenue 11 years ago, before much of downtown Bentonville’s renewal took place. In that time, the venue hosted countless concerts and community events.
After just a few more events, The Meteor will close in its current form. Key and his crew are searching for a new place to host concerts, with hopes of remaining in Bentonville.
“It’d be a shame to move it to another city,” Key said. “I grew up here and have been here forever, so I’d like to continue here if at all possible.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the costs of moving and planning next steps. As of publication, the campaign has raised over $3,300.
In recent days, The Meteor has been posting on social media about its last shows and selling some furniture and music equipment. As word of the pending transition has spread, it’s prompted an outpouring of support. Friends and industry colleagues have offered storage space for equipment, and other people have shared how concerts at The Meteor shaped their lives.
“We knew people loved us, and we knew people loved The Meteor, and we know how many lives we’ve touched by what we do, but it’s way bigger than what we ever imagined,” Key said.
Bentonville resident Ramsay Ball was at the final open mic night last week.
“Les has been a true champion for Northwest Arkansas’ music scene — supporting artists, hosting concerts and helping local organizations bring people together through sound,” he said. “Last night’s final open mic night was a fitting tribute — musicians from all over gathered to celebrate the place (and the person) that gave so many their start.”
When the building that houses The Meteor went up for sale last year, Key expressed concern about what a potential sale could mean for the venue.
The relocation was prompted by disagreements between Key and Justin and Candace Aguilera, who own The Barber around the corner. The Aguileras recently assumed the The Meteor’s lease, and Candace Aguilera said they intend to continue hosting concerts in the building.
“We're going to continue on with the legacy and the live music. That's never going to go away,” she said. “We want to keep the stage. We want to be part of the community. Our intention is to never take away, just to add.”
Several social media posts have gone viral locally, with users claiming to have insider knowledge of the situation. Neither party involved, however, wished to share further details on the record with The Bentonville Bulletin.
A real estate listing for the building says a sale is pending.
