Craig Jewell, Western senior and new co-owner of The Wild Buffalo in downtown Bellingham, stands outside his business before a concert Thursday night. Photo by Michael Leese.

“It was love at first sight,” Jewell said.

Jewell and his business partners Edward Eversoll and Roger Mills are in the process of purchasing The Wild Buffalo in a lease-to-own situation from founder John Goodman.

“[The Wild Buffalo is] a local cultural icon and preeminent music venue,” Jewell said. “We are proud to carry on the ideals of promoting live music, supporting local musicians and providing a safe, fun place for people to come.”

Oct. 1 was spent in joyful celebration of a “purchase in process” three months in the making, he said.

“I jumped in feet first with no regrets,” Jewell said.

Jewell said he met Mills in unusual circumstances.

“In the men’s room, I overheard someone complaining about needing to book a band that Thursday,” Jewell said.

“It was [Mills] and I told him that we had a rocking band, the place would be packed. [Mills] gave us a shot.”

Jewell’s band, Broken Bottle, became a house band at The Wild Buffalo and wasted no time making friends with Eversoll and Mills.

With 18 college credits this quarter and 15-hour work days, Jewell said he hopes to graduate from Western during winter quarter with a degree in communications.

“I started by majoring in business but found it wasn’t for me.” Jewell said. “I thought I’d be more successful by doing something I enjoyed so I changed majors.”

Eversoll said after working several years for Goodman, he became the manager of The Wild Buffalo when Goodman needed to delegate some of the business responsibilities.

Mills was hired for his ability to bring in great music, Eversoll said.

“I don’t know how Goodman did what we split between the three of us,” he said. “It seems like we’re almost always trying to play catch-up. But between Roger, Craig and myself, there’s a lot of different kinds of energy that keeps things fresh.”

Armed with six ears for music, Jewell, Eversoll and Mills said they’re trying to establish The Wild Buffalo as the best spot to come see live music.

“With three different generations working together, there’s a lot of music to be listened to,” Jewell said. “The Buffalo welcomes anything and everything. Just last week we had a heavy metal act, then we followed it up with a swing act.”

Among those who sign bands for The Wild Buffalo is former Western student Austin Santiago.

“The biggest thing is their focus,” Santiago said. “They’re focused on bringing acts that have great talent but something you can dance to. Booking relevant music no matter the age or genre is what has and will continue to make the Buffalo great," he said. "They’re taking what made the Buffalo a respectable venue and booking any musical avenue regardless of label.”

With free wireless Internet access, two new pool tables, a dart board and projector on the way, The Wild Buffalo is smoothly transitioning into its new management style.

Amidst some of its changes, the bar has still vowed to provide talented acts that play great music.
“[The Wild Buffalo is] not just a bar with a band in the corner, we’re a music venue,” Eversoll said. “Every night there’s something different. At least one night a week there’s something for everybody.”

Every Wednesday, for example, nearly the entire staff of another local business, the Callaloo, join together and have their own feature night.

“Everyone comes over, from the people who work the door to the DJs,” Jewell said.

The Wild Buffalo is located in downtown Bellingham at 208 W Holly St., and  open everyday from 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Admission prices vary from $15 to free.

Starting at 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 11, Project Lionheart, Rise N Shine and Cara Albouca will be at The Wild Buffalo for $5.

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