Martha Wainwright Steps Away from Parc Avenue Venue, POP Montreal and Casa del Popolo to Take Over
After five years at the helm, singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright has announced that she and her partner Nico are stepping away from running Ursa, a multi-purpose music venue located on Parc Avenue. Wainwright shared the news through an Instagram post earlier today, explaining that her decision was influenced by a desire to focus more on her music career.
Ursa, known for its intimate setting and eclectic lineup of live music events, has been a staple in the Montreal music scene since its opening. While Wainwright and Nico are moving on, the venue itself is not disappearing. In her post, Wainwright confirmed that POP Montreal and Casa del Popolo—two of the city’s most well-known names in the independent music community—will be taking over the space. The venue will continue to host live shows under a new name, though details on the rebranding have yet to be shared.
“The fun we had at 5589 Parc Avenue is for the history books,” Wainwright wrote. “It was a blast, and the support and love we got from the local community, as well as the broader community, was outstanding.”
Although stepping back from daily operations, Wainwright emphasized that her connection to the space and its legacy will endure. She plans to continue her work with the children’s choir that originated at Ursa and will still oversee the annual four-day Montreal Anti-Jazz Police Festival, which has become a hallmark of the venue’s programming.
Ursa’s handover to POP Montreal and Casa del Popolo is expected to bring new energy to the space while maintaining its community-driven ethos. Fans and regulars can expect a seamless transition as these two well-respected organizations take the reins. Wainwright’s departure marks the end of an era, but the venue’s future looks to remain a key part of Montreal’s vibrant music scene.
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