THE TRANSFORMATION
Remember the bland, carpeted office on 56b Quinte Street in downtown Trenton with that distinct 80s charm? I do. Being a local marketing consultant has its perks, especially when you get a front-row seat to an amazing transformation like The Cardinal.
The owners Alex Rhindress, Will Montreuil, and Mac Cairns wanted something more for the community, a place where everyone could find a beat that spoke to them.
Now, after seven months of extensive renovations, it stands transformed into Quinte West’s very own music sanctuary. Their hands-on approach was inspiring as they stripped the old, reimagined the space, and brought to life a place where everyone in the region could connect with music on a personal level.
MUSIC AND CONNECTION
On a recent warm afternoon, I walked into The Cardinal. It was 1:00 in the afternoon and the venue wouldn’t be open for a few hours. The room was empty, except for Alex, one of the three local owners casually playing his bass. He looked up and flashed an easygoing grin.
It felt like I’d walked into a friend’s living room, cozy and inviting. That’s the charm of The Cardinal. “We just wanted to give Trenton a place where everyone could share the music,” Alex told me, with a spark in his eyes.
FRESH TUNES DAILY
Forget the canned music; The Cardinal is about the fresh and live tunes. “Music is something that connects us all. We wanted to create a space where that connection could happen every day,” Alex revealed. Their commitment to delivering daily live performances breathes life into the local music scene.
LOCALS’ SECOND HOME
While I was connecting with Alex over our shared experiences growing up in Trenton, Jon Roblin, a local jazz musician who frequently plays at The Cardinal on Wednesday evenings, casually strolled in. Despite the venue being closed, he seemed perfectly at home. The Cardinal, he commended, is ‘advocating for the arts’ and ‘keeping music live.’
Jon’s approval of The Cardinal says a lot about this place. The owners are committed to supporting the arts in many ways.
FOSTERING YOUNG TALENT
Perhaps my favourite feature of The Cardinal is its partnership with Ardens, our local music store. This collaboration gives the budding musicians of the region a place to perform and thrive. “We wanted to involve the community as much as possible. What better way than with the kids who are just starting their music journey?” Alex mused, reflecting their community-centric vision.
MORE THAN JUST A VENUE
The Cardinal isn’t just a venue; it’s a story of transformation, friendship, and the undying rhythm of Quinte West. It promises that every day will be unique, filled with fresh music. “Every day is different, every day is special,” Alex shared with enthusiasm.
When you’re in downtown Trenton next, drop by The Cardinal. Enjoy the live music, absorb the atmosphere, and you might even catch Jon Roblin belting out a smooth jazz melody.
If you hold a passion for music, you’ll find yourself right at home.
Visit the-cardinal.ca or follow them on Facebook or Instagram to see what events are coming up next.
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