Helping Keep The Harmony

Thank you so much for taking the time to hear our story!

Since 1990 the Harmony Bar on Atwood ave has been a home for all! When I reflect on my time working at the bar, and the times I have heard about before me, it brings such
emotion!

Depending on who ya talk to some may remember the great live music, some may remember the great food while watching their favorite team win(or lose), others may remember any number of fundraisers for the numerous community needs! Some how this little bar on Atwood has evolved over 30 years to be much more than a music venue or place to eat and watch the game! No matter what you remember attracting you to the Harmony, one thing is for-sure: it is about the people!

I like to joke that the Harmony Bar is a community center lol. I cant think of a way to describe it fully other than that! A place where even though the parking lot only has 5-7 stalls, will be FILLED on the inside for the right occasion...and we often found an occasion! People might be getting married, visiting from another country, needing a safe place to be, just waiting for a cab...any number of things! Through it all, every customer and employee has made the Harmony Bar what it is!

I’m very proud of the way my community has responded to the pandemic! Now more than ever I have seen more kindness distributed throughout the people in the Madison! We are truly finding more ways every day that we are all in this together!
The slow burn of losing all the social aspects of our community has been a challenge! The thing that Makes the Harmony “the Harmony” is being squeezed by covid-19 and now the weather!

The cold reminds us every year that we have a common struggle! Many Wisconsinites wouldn’t BLINK for a second when needing to push or shovel a car out of a snow bank! Because we all understand it can happen to any of us. Following the mandates, we were and are doing everything we can to keep the Harmony safe! With winter coming and virus spikes in our state no one can blame anyone for not wanting to eat outside or inside. That’s one huge thing we’re grateful for as well! How folks would order online or pack the outside patio! Not just to “help keep us open” but also to get some sense of community that has been lost...

Being extremely real and transparent, the Harmony Bar is losing its ability to keep the doors open. Just to keep the grill/dishwasher/freezers/ovens going and lights on MG&E needs about $2000 every month. The insurance is about $2000 every month. Pay roll for the few remaining employees is about $3500 every month! We are barely making $800 a week with our reduced hours;And that is all now! With snow, freezing temperatures, and spikes in covid the struggle to make ends meet will surely thicken.

The Harmony staff has gone above and beyond for each other trying to share shifts and finding other gigs. I’m not going to lie, I do NOT want the Harmony to close! I know many feel that way, but I REALLY do not! It’s been the only place that understands me and the people I love so much.

The people still bartending are scraping by, and we are going to be trying MANY things to keep folks able to order walnut burgers or take a break from their living rooms for a moment!

We will be starting a Fish fry very soon! We have a video game night going, and if weather permits we will still do shows outside!

We are hoping SOMETHING positive changes for the business scene soon! Our biggest fear has been the winter coming. With no signs of a second stimulus, push is starting to come to shove! I would like to continue being extremely optimistic that our government will play nice with each other to help us all get through this, but as shown this entire year there is no guarantee of anything. We’re looking to get through the thick of winter! Hoping that by April we can get outdoor seating running dependably again!

Over the weeks many customers have asked me if there is any way they can help out. I have asked that of my self. I love Brennan(the owner) so much for fighting like hell to keep things going! I’m so thankful to have a boss that truly exhaust all of their resources before throwing in the towel. Her support of myself and the Harmony bar neighborhood can not be over stated.
Thats why i really want to make this happen for her! For us all! For the Harmony! The one spot in SASY neighborhood where music, food, and community collide!

For the folks wanting to help keep the Harmony open, anything your can do is extremely appreciated! Just ordering food to go does us A LOT of help! If the Harmony has been as special for you as it has for me and you grab a drink, a bite to eat, or donate to keep the doors open I want you to know the sincere gratitude and appreciation the entire Harmony Bar staff have for you! We are setting our goal at $42,000 to cover the “go fund me” fee and any other unforeseeable event.
Needing about $7500 a month over the next 5 months;Any contribution is a serious help and words just can’t express how hard it is to make a go fund me for this type of thing! Thank you, your kindness is VERY felt and appreciated!

Keeping the Harmony Bar doors open means our staff that do not have a second or third job will be able to make ends meet in their lives! It also means our community can bite into some nostalgia when they are missing their peeps! If you have a favorite bartender in mind or want to show a particular employee some love i implored everyone that could use a little help to set up an account with Madison’s Online tip jar here tipyourserver.org just find the Harmony Bar and see if anyone ya know has signed up!

The Harmony Bar thanks everyone from the bottom of our hearts! Please be safe when supporting your local establishments and we look forward to seeing you soon! ❤️

Marcus Robert Johnson 

Harmony Bartender