Whyte Avenue club Wunderbar for sale

Wunderbar is for sale, leaving the future of one of Edmonton's most beloved live music venues in question.

The tiny club just south of Whyte Avenue and 101st Street has been owned by Craig Martell and three partners since 2010.

After four and a half years,Martell believes it was time to let Wunderbar go.

Were all bartenders and we can all run a show but the other aspects of running a business I dont think really fell into what we do very well, he said with a smile.

Martell said he and his partners had enough money to start the bar but not enough to ride through the peaks and valleys of running a business.

He believes that someone with money and business savvy could take Wunderbar to the next level.

Wunderbar was a showcase for live music and hosted about 300 shows a year.

Musician Jeff Meszaros said the venue is a special place for artists who are just starting out.

"It's got that really intimate feel, he said. You get super-connected with the crowd. The stage is tiny so you're right in there."

Martell is gratified by the support hes heard from customers.

People feel bad about the closing, but people are already aware of what theyre losing, he said.

Wunderbar does have some interested buyers, but if that falls apart, Martell says he and his partners will try to keep it open.

"We're going to keep plugging away, plugging away until we can't anymore."