More Than $27K Raised To Save Lion's Lair In Denver

DENVER, CO — More than 600 people have donated money to a fundraiser that's dedicated to helping the iconic Denver bar Lion's Lair during the pandemic.

The bar, at 2022 E Colfax Ave., has been hosting local and touring bands since the early 90s. The Lair is also known for its weekly open mic night for bands and open mic comedy night — that is, until the coronavirus outbreak hit the city.

"During COVID 19 we have had to close our doors for over 8 months out of this year," the bar's co-owners, Doug Kauffman and Tony Meggitt, explained on their GoFundMe page.

"We are raising $25,000 to catch up on expenses that have accumulated during the government shutdowns of 2020."

As of Tuesday, the Lion's Lair had raised more than $27,000.

"Lion's Lair is completely blown away by the response by our community to keep the historic venue alive," the owners' post read.

"The money now being raised will help cover ongoing bills such as utilities, insurance, and maintenance as we are still not allowed to open."

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Dubbed Denver's "oldest consistently operating independent music venue," the Lair began as the Playboy Club in the 1930s. From 1936 to 1967, the venue became the Aladdin Lounge, before it was taken over by John Lyons and became the Lion's Lair.

"The Lair has a community that is supportive," the fundraising post read.

"LL's community consists of people that live for this bar. People that need the bar for support, friendship, expression of music or art and sometimes you just need a place dark and calm to grab a drink."

>> You can donate to the fundraiser here.

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