When first meeting Ed Rush, you'd never guess he's 42. Maybe it's the healthy, athletic look he maintains with lots of running. Or the hearty laugh he reveals when telling horror stories about rehabbing a turn-of-the-century building.

Owner Ed Rush in Northside Tavern (Gary Landers photo) | ZOOM |

        Perhaps it's from all the time he spends with the young musicians that frequent Northside Tavern, a bar he just opened in Northside, an area of independent record stores, vintage boutiques, yoga studios, adventuresome eateries and an anything-goes attitude.

        “I looked all over the city for a place to open my bar, but I couldn't find anything with any real feel to it,” Mr. Rush said while cleaning up before opening one evening. “Then I came in this place, and I thought, this is possible.”

Neighborhood a draw

        The handsome space boasts high ceilings, exposed brick walls, antique tiling and lots of natural light. He also commissioned a huge old-fashioned bar that gives the tavern a lived-in look.

        But perhaps its greatest asset, especially for someone who wants to showcase of-the-moment bands, has been the neighborhood.

        “The Ass Ponys practice right down the street. Brian Driscoll of the Tigerlilies lives right around the corner. And a bunch of members of the Side Cars live right around here,” he said.

IF YOU GO

What: Northside Tavern     When: 5 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday; 4 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday. Closed Sundays.     Where: 4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside.     Information: 542-3603.

        They all have played or intend to play at his establishment.

        He also gets curious musicians stopping in after visiting Shake-It Records, across the street.

        “I just had this great musician Greg Morris come in wanting to have his CD release party here,” he said.

        “I booked him for two Thursdays. One to get the word out. And the second for his party.”
       

Eclectic mix

        Mr. Rush tries to keep the place a mix of neighborhood bar and live music showcase. Monday, he has a jazz band so people can listen to music — or not. Wednesday he hosts an acoustic act. He reserves weekends for his “blaster bands,” he says.

        For example, a recent Friday found an all-female punk band (all from Northside) playing one of their first live gigs at his place. This Saturday, he welcomes Little Mountain Jackass, a toned-down, countrified version of Jackass, a popular area metal act.

        “I'm willing to give almost anything a shot because I know there's a million great musicians out there,” he said.

        So where does the first-time bar owner acquire so much confidence and know-how? The Moeller High School graduate says it's probably from working at Arnold's downtown for 13 years. Or living two years in San Francisco soaking up culture. Mostly it's about doing something he believes in.

        He loves alternative/independent music and wants to share it. He is also proud to own a gathering place in his favorite neighborhood.

        “It is the most unique neighborhood I've ever lived in,” he said.

        “And it's one of the few places in Cincinnati where there's really a mix of people. I get everyone in here — black and white, gay and straight, rich and poor. They all have a good time. It's super ... it's just super.”
       

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