Aug 4, 2026 - Music

Crowbar owner launches campaign for Tampa's next indie venue

Kathryn Varn

Bearded man with thick gray beard and large black glasses stands with arms crossed on a dim stage, wearing a black sleeveless shirt; tattooed arms visible in backstage setting with curtains. — Tom DeGeorge at Crowbar. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios

Crowbar held its final shows on Friday, ending its run as Ybor City's last independent concert room.

But owner Tom DeGeorge is starting to plan his next venue — and he wants Tampa's help.

State of play: DeGeorge announced this week that he's raising money for a down payment to buy a building in Tampa to "protect, cultivate and grow independent live in Tampa Bay for generations to come."

DeGeorge rented the Crowbar space and opted to end his lease due in part to the pressures facing indie venues, including the expansion of entertainment giant Live Nation, which is planning a venue in Ybor.

Zoom in: Find DeGeorge's Kickstarter here.

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Crowbar owner launches campaign for Tampa's next indie venue

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