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Originally known as the Flatted Fifth, this club was established in a former art gallery by John Le Marquand and his colleagues from the Black Spot and the Java Jazz. Le Marquand, who worked for CBC Vancouver, was able to outfit the venue by drawing on his connections there. He engaged the assistance of graphic artist Bill Fox for poster and logo design, hired CBC carpenters to fit the space with fire doors, purchased light shades from a scenic painter, and even salvaged risers to use as elevated seating. Once operational, the club, re-christened the Flat Five in March 1963, became home to some of the younger emerging musicians on the Vancouver jazz scene, including Al Wiertz, Claire Lawrence, Blaine Wikjord, Glenn MacDonald, and Terry Clarke.

In 1964, the club was sold to David and Karen Parkin. They opted to open a venue called Peter's Ear in the front part of the building while continuing to operate the Flat Five in the back. During the summer of 1965, the club was taken over by Graham and Gloria Humphries and renamed the Blue Horn.

VIDEO
Don Thompson describes The Flat Five
Duration: 00:01:05
Don Thompson describes what The Flat Five looked like inside.

VIDEO
Terry Clarke on The Flat Five
Duration: 00:01:44
Terry Clarke gives a visual sense of The Flat Five.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Le Marquand, John. "Re: Black Spot Photos." Email to Kristin Fung. 14 Mar. 2008.

FOR MORE INFO

"Jazz Critic Looks at City Spots," 1946 (pdf)
Bob Smith discusses the Flat Five and other Vancouver venues.

"Irregulars Seek Quiet Sleep," 1963 (pdf)