Rob McCorkle has reacquired Nova PDX, formerly known as Bossanova Ballroom, marking a new chapter for Portland’s longest continuously running music venue.
Having owned the venue from 2012 to 2019, McCorkle stepped back into the role after being approached by former owner David C. Jones, who feared closing the club if a new buyer was not found.
“About six months ago, he came to me and asked me if I was interested in taking it back over, because if not, he was gonna walk away and basically let it close,” McCorkle shared. “I couldn’t let that happen.”
Historically significant, the venue has been hosting events since 1907 and was previously known as the Viscount Ballroom before the name change in 2004.
Under McCorkle’s stewardship, Nova PDX became a hub for queer nightlife, featuring events like Blow Pony, BOYeurism, and Inferno, and evolved from hosting just a couple of events each month to a bustling calendar of 15 to 17 events.
In 2019, McCorkle sold the venue to Jones, who maintained the space’s vibrant presence in Portland’s nightlife but shifted its focus toward hardcore punk and heavy metal genres.
However, Jones’ ownership featured controversies stemming from his outspoken views on social media, which included various conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 and the former presidency of Donald Trump. Additionally, his occasional jokes about the trans community stirred discontent among some patrons.
Airick Redwolf, an organizer of Blow Pony, highlighted concerns over Jones’ social media activities, asserting that the LGBTQ+ community did not want to contribute financially to a venue led by someone with such differing values.
While Jones identifies his political views as libertarian, he stated, “I don’t really share that too much other than my personal page. But Portland’s an interesting town. Everybody gets their feelings hurt quick and easy.”
Despite the controversies, Bossanova’s management posted a statement in 2022 reaffirming its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, declaring, “Bossanova Management & Staff is committed to providing and hosting events for the LGBTQ+ community long term, as we are representative of the diverse spectrum of the city we serve.”
Jones, who continued to book events, claimed that any decrease in attendance during his tenure was more a reflection of post-pandemic recovery than his personal views. “The turnout’s not as good as it used to be, and I don’t think people have money anymore,” he noted, addressing the challenges facing the nightlife scene.
With the change of ownership back to McCorkle, there are ongoing efforts to revive popular events and foster a community atmosphere at Nova PDX.
McCorkle, alongside his colleagues Phill Schwartz, Lisa Fruichantie, and Elizabeth Griffin, is revitalizing the venue’s offerings and has announced that DJ Aspen from the Thorns will be hosting her queer party, Let Her Cook, starting in August.
The venue is also preparing to welcome veteran rap group The Pharcyde on July 12, showcasing an ongoing commitment to diverse musical acts.
The popular gay dance party Bearracuda remains a staple at Nova PDX, further solidifying its commitment to inclusivity.
“Most importantly for this is that people know that we are what we used to be,” McCorkle expressed, emphasizing a desire to recapture the essence of the venue under his guidance once again.
image source from：wweek
