Where memories are made – CJ’s Nightclub closes its doors

After 19 years, Vandals no longer have the opportunity to let loose and swing at CJ’s Nightclub. 

CJ’s owners, Philip and Shelley Roderick, retired after years of serving the Moscow community.

“It’s not just a nightclub, it’s the memories,” Shelley said. “Nineteen years warrants it because … we’re very blessed to have been able to give back to organizations.”

Along with managing a popular bar in town, the couple have also given back to the community. Shelley said both she and Philip donated to foundations such as the Humane Society of the Palouse, Moscow Food Bank and many other local foundations.

Yishan Chen | Argonaut
CJ’s Nightclub, a popular spot for swing dancing, closed in August after 19 years of serving the community of the Palouse in downtown Moscow.

The nightclub featured weekly events such as country swing dancing, Wednesday karaoke and beer pong tournaments.

Shelley said University of Idaho and Washington State University fraternities and sororities came to CJ’s for reoccurring celebrations and dances.

“Everyone loved the energy there,” said Noel Barbuto, former CJ’s employee. “Sure, it looked a bit haggard around the edges, but I think that just added to the mystique of the place. It was the best place to go for a real dance club … Of course, there were other places to dance, but it was the place everyone wanted to finish out the night.”

Barbuto said it was hard to hear that CJ’s closed, especially because the news came so suddenly. He said there was a dynamic support system between the staff that operated like a team.

Geoff Keller is a member of the Swing Devils, which regularly performed at the weekly swing dance event. The dance organization temporarily partnered with CJ’s for 19 years, and Keller said the tradition was a huge part of his life.

“I have seen so many people meet the person they have ended up getting married to in (CJ’s) ballroom,” Keller said. “Swing Devils at CJ’s has been a staple of the Moscow community for the last 19 years and the ballroom will be missed.”

Keller said he made countless friends and memories through both CJ’s and the Swing Devils over the years.

“Times have changed so much,” Shelley said. “It’s so rewarding to see the tears and the faces who were able to support us.”

Krystian Johann Orion Burke, former CJ’s bouncer, worked three jobs until he started at the nightclub. He said he always wanted to work at CJ’s though, because of its family-like atmosphere. Burke said staff treated guests with the utmost respect, and customers were referred to as “family” instead of “regulars.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better place to work at or a better second family,” Burke said. “I’ll always remember where some of my best memories were made.”

During the first week of September, bar equipment was liquidated off to buyers — from pool tables to stereo systems that were once a piece of the nightclub. Items will continue to be liquidated out of CJ’s, Shelley said, and are still available to buyers.

Since CJ’s closure, several buyers have negotiated with the Rodericks for the property’s next transition.

“I’m in escrow as we speak,” Philip said. “We are sad it has come down to this, but we are proud we were able to bring such a fine venue to this community for so many years. We’re here to say goodbye to CJ’s. I’m leaving on a high note.”

Catherine Keenan

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