Garage on Beck, a beloved venue on U.S. 89 known for its unique atmosphere and live music, is set to close its doors as the refinery that recently acquired the property prepares for demolition.
The challenges of parking coupled with the venue’s eclectic charm have drawn a varied crowd over the years, creating a sense of community among locals.
Owner Bob McCarthy recalls his first visit to the venue and recognized it as a ‘true road house,’ expecting it to feature local musicians and authentic roots music instead of cover bands.
Since its inception in 2008, Garage on Beck has catered to a diverse clientele, including motorcycle club members and the LGBTQ+ community.
“The community owned it,” McCarthy reflected nostalgically, having cultivated a space that felt welcoming to all.
However, all this will come to an end at the close of the month, marking the end of an era for a venue that has served as a musical hub and gathering place for nearly two decades.
The venue has battled various hurdles, including limited parking options and environmental factors such as nearby fires.
Despite these challenges, Garage on Beck has thrived, with a rich history dating back to its origins as an industrial garage in 1947, later transforming into the Rose’s Jimax Lounge before McCarthy acquired it.
Initially named The Old Yellowstone Garage, it was later renamed Garage on Beck, with the help of local musicians who sought to connect the venue to its unique locale.
The parking situation has long been complicated, prompting McCarthy to explore various solutions, including covering customers’ Uber fares and bringing in buses to mitigate the stress of finding parking.
Fortunately, after a change in ownership at the refinery, parking options improved, but fires in both 2012 and 2023 added pressure to the viability of the venue.
In January of this year, the final blow came when Axiom Properties sold the venue to Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company, culminating in Garage on Beck’s closing announcement.
Inside, the venue’s unique design features exposed wood, an inviting bar, and curated decor, including skeletons in “I’ll be in the Garage” T-shirts, creating an atmosphere that is both lively and intimate.
The outdoor patio has been a highlight, with hundreds of visitors enjoying performances under the stars and twinkling string lights.
McCarthy carefully designed every aspect of the venue, sourcing materials and decoration from various locations to create a one-of-a-kind space that embodies the spirit of Americana music.
He expressed pride in how Garage on Beck celebrated and fostered the local Americana music scene in Salt Lake City, noting that its financial model was never driven by profit but rather by passion and community need.
McCarthy’s venture was inspired by fellow venue operators across the city, who shared his vision of creating spaces for authentic musical expression.
For him, owning Garage on Beck has been a labor of love, fostering connections and camaraderie among patrons.
Local musician Morgan Snow, frontman of country-folk band Triggers & Slips, organized a farewell festival called “The Last Dance,” comprising 30 performances over three days to commemorate the venue’s closing.
Performers like Mariana Madden and Zach Bryson kicked off the festival, with audiences dancing on the inside and outside stages as they reflected on the venue’s impact.
Snow, who has played at Garage on Beck extensively, praised its role in the local music scene, providing a platform for original artists that other venues often overlook.
He recalled a memorable performance with his band, where staff joined in with enthusiastic dancing, fostering a deep connection with the audience.
As time drew closer to the venue’s final days, excitement and nostalgia filled the air, with locals rallying to say their goodbyes.
Garage on Beck has established itself as a unique part of Utah’s music landscape, known for hosting artists that may not find a place in larger venues.
Snow highlighted the venue’s intimate setting, which allowed for more genuine interactions between performers and the audience.
As the last performances happened, patrons and musicians alike shared their sadness, pondering the loss of such a special space in the community.
One man summed up the feelings, declaring, “There’s nothing else like it.”
To commemorate the space and allow patrons to take home a piece of the venue, Garage on Beck will hold a “Garage Sale” for two days in early June, giving fans a chance to purchase items from the building before it is demolished.
image source from：https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2025/05/30/salt-lake-citys-garage-beck-is/
