Tom Lucier and Phog Lounge: A Staple in the Windsor Community

By Joelle Brassard

It can sometimes be hard to be an entrepreneur, but it’s certainly a lot easier with the support of an entire community behind you. Windsor’s art and music scene has rallied around local venue owner Tom Lucier and his bar Phog Lounge. 

Phog Lounge is a live music venue and bar located at 157 University Ave. that has become a staple in the local music scene. 

Tom Lucier, Phog’s owner and creator is only 43 years old but is celebrating his 20-year anniversary of the bar this New Year’s holiday. 

“I was 23 years old and had no idea what I was doing. Never had worked in a bar before and it was terrifying to me, but I thought it was a good way to influence the momentum of the music and arts scene,” said Lucier. 

Phog opened in 2004 and has since created an exciting and inviting environment for artists and patrons alike to go and share their love of art and music. 

Early years and start of Phog Lounge 

Lucier was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario and has spent his whole life here in the city. 

“I have four much older brothers and the closest in age to me was 13 years apart,” said Lucier, regarding his childhood. “It was a heavily sports influenced family who were extremely competitive.”  

His upbringing led Lucier to have a very strong work ethic which he contributes to his success today. He credits his brothers for showing him how their businesses ran as well as being great role models. 

After a gap year to save money, Lucier attended St. Clair College in his 20s for journalism and played for the football team. Lucier graduated at 20 and ran a magazine called ‘Windsor Box’ for 2 years, then at 23 happened to stumble upon the opportunity to create Phog Lounge. 

“I would go see bands at what Phog is now but used to be called Lift Lounge which really inspired me,” said Lucier. 

Lucier was then asked by the owners of Lift Lounge if he would want to consider taking the place over. 

“I felt like I could make more of an influence on the art and music scene if I was running a venue,” said Lucier. “I can’t play an instrument and I have no artistic ability but I’m a great cheerleader. I figured I’ll book bands, poetry readings and art shows as my contribution to the scene. The rest is history.”  

The atmosphere and the goals 

The environment at Phog has been curated into a scene of community and inspiration. Lucier went from booking any band or artist who asked, to becoming more contentious of the community and what type of crowd he wants to draw in on any given evening. 

“You don’t just book bands, you’re booking a crowd,” said Lucier. “If you know who’s performing down the street that night you have to book a different crowd. My goal is to elevate people and to connect people who are going to reciprocate inspiration amongst one another,”  

Lucier loves to watch new relationships flourish while also supporting local artists and helping them put money in their pockets. 

“I love introducing people who don’t know each other who I know will creatively jive with one another. That would probably be the most rewarding thing I do,” said Lucier.  “The ultimate goal is to keep being trailblazers and innovators in who we put on the stage.” 

He explains he sees his job as more of a vocation because he finds joy and excitement in the things he’s doing for work. 

“I don’t really aspire to anything crazier than I’m doing right now because I feel like I have it made,” said Lucier. “I’m surrounded by good, inspiring people who are creative and make my day different every day, no matter what. My kids are amazing and I’m healthy so I don’t know what more you could ask for.” 

Lucier said his outlook has, for the most part, always been positive and he truly believes in himself and what he’s capable of. 

“I’ve always carried the sentiment that things will be okay,” said Lucier. “I have the work ethic to do whatever I have to do to feed my kids and take care of my own. What people don’t understand about any small business that operated through 2008-2009 and even through COVID with inflation, is that we survived two economic downfalls. We are miraculous survivors of outside factors.” 

Lucier has always managed to keep Phog thriving despite setbacks, and the venue has survived it all and prospered in spite of it. 

Testimonials 

The sentiment of love and respect for Lucier and his business is vast and very apparent in the local arts and music community.  

“I give Phog and their staff major credit for my growth as a musician,” said local musician, Willowbrook. “He’s created such a safe space for growth and community. I wouldn’t be where I am without their encouragement and trust,” 

Willowbrook is a young singer and songwriter from Windsor. They have been a dedicated performer at Phog and supporter of the venue in recent years. 

“You can tell through everything he does that he prioritizes art and people over the bottom line and that is what has built such a strong community around Phog,” said Willowbrook. 

The community that Lucier has fostered has become extremely dedicated to him, seeing him as a “downtown dad”. 

“If it wasn’t for Tom, half the things I’m proud of just wouldn’t have happened,” said new local musician NOTROMEO. 

NOTROMEO has begun a new music career which has been launched with the help of performances at Phog Lounge. 

“Over the years because of Tom’s support I’ve watched not only me, but my friends grow and mature into such incredible artists because he’s given us the freedom to express our art without boundaries and I will always be grateful to know him,” said NOTROMEO. 

Local artist Kat Valentine has been performing at Phog Lounge for almost a decade and credits a lot of her success to Lucier. Valentine is a songwriter and producer from Windsor. 

“Tom has cultivated an experience that inspires creation and collaboration and keeps artists accessibility and compensation at the forefront of his business model,” said Valentine. “He knows everyone’s names and everyone’s music. There’s nowhere else in Windsor quite like Phog.”  

Phog: Changing the Music Scene, One Show at A Time. 

Over the years, Lucier has curated an environment that fosters creativity and growth for new artists while also creating an inviting atmosphere for newcomers.  

He has also reminded the community of the importance of supporting local businesses as well as local music and art. 

His final message for the community is to truly make your best effort to support local and keep Windsor’s small businesses, as well as its art and music community, thriving.