The Grey Witch is the latest ambitious project from Russell Gardner, a bar/music venue that merges a whimsical aesthetic with eclectic decor. Located at 722 W. Sunset Road in Henderson, this vibrant new establishment features a striking interior filled with taxidermy and overgrown faux foliage, creating a post-apocalyptic library vibe.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by an impressive display of stuffed peacocks and wild boar heads, mounted on the walls, contributing to the unique atmosphere Gardner aims to cultivate.
“This room is kind of meant to have the feel of what you see in all those post-apocalyptic movies where there’s like the place of great knowledge, like an old library, but it’s all overgrown,” Gardner explains.
He likens the experience to a sanctuary, combining elements of nature and decor that melds creativity with chaos.
Gardner and his wife, Natalie Burge, both of whom bring their eclectic tastes to the design, envision the Grey Witch as a comfortable haven, which feels like an extension of their home.
Burge describes their inspiration, saying, “We want to be able to work and celebrate in spaces that are comfortable.
The intention is to create an inviting environment that reflects their unique styles, balanced between Gardner’s punk rock aesthetic and Burge’s love for goth and rock influences.
The couple’s first venue, the Red Dwarf, opened in 2022 and quickly became a local favorite, known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique Detroit-style pizza.
Gardner’s passion for pizza led him to develop a personal recipe that’s become synonymous with the Red Dwarf.
After finding a new location for the Grey Witch, Gardner was drawn to the quirky nature of the property, previously an all-ages nightclub named Ozone.
The name Grey Witch embodies the establishment’s essence, where the duality of light and dark magic mirrors the contrasting decor of the venue.
Gardner explains that the concept was to find a creature or character that balanced the themes of good and evil, embodying both sides.
Front of the Grey Witch offers a light and enchanting dining space, adorned with whimsical decor that’s family-friendly until 10 PM each evening.
With signs announcing the presence of fairies and a colorful ambiance, this section feels luminous and inviting.
In stark contrast, the back of the venue encapsulates a darker, macabre vibe, featuring gargoyles and less foliage.
“You walk in, and this is kind of that white, light, whimsical side of the bar, and then you cross over into that side, and it’s the dark and the macabre,” Burge details.
This intentional blending creates a multi-dimensional experience that intrigues visitors as they explore both realms.
Live music is another essential focal point of the Grey Witch, expanding on the success of Gardner’s previous venues.
The venue plans to host a diverse array of music genres, providing a platform for various artists.
Kicking off with a performance from the Detroit Cobras, guests can expect more notable acts spanning rock, country, and more.
Burge highlights, “This is not just a space for rock ’n’ roll and metal.
We’re interested in the majority of genres.”
In addition to music performances, the Grey Witch plans to open a hidden craft cocktail room called Dark Arts.
Here, patrons can expect a personalized cocktail crafting experience, allowing for customized drink suggestions based on individual moods.
Burge emphasizes that this personal touch is a hallmark of what they aim to provide in this new space.
As Gardner sums up their vision, he views the Grey Witch as an evolution of the Red Dwarf concept, where comfort meets quirky creativity.
“We’re taking what Red Dwarf is, that comfortable kind of punk rock/tiki bar and saying, ‘OK, how can we do that and change it maybe just slightly?’” Gardner notes.
The transition from one venue to the next is not a complete overhaul, but rather an exploration of new dimensions within the same thematic family.
With its unique blend of light and dark, whimsical and macabre, the Grey Witch promises to be a refreshing addition to Henderson’s nightlife, emphasizing comfort and creativity in an inviting setting.
Overall, the Grey Witch stands as a testament to Gardner and Burge’s dedication to creating spaces where people can gather, enjoy great food and music, and experience everything that makes them feel alive.
image source from：https://neon.reviewjournal.com/music/rock-n-roll-beer-and-taxidermy-inside-vegas-coolest-new-bar-3314502/
