MOOSE JAW — One newly retired law enforcement officer is starting to realize his retirement dream of two decades as renovations continue at the former Cornerstone Bar on Main Street North.
“I’ve been in here seven days a week, sometimes up to 16 hours a day, just getting everything ready and perfect for the community to come and see,” said Larry Baker, owner of the Cornerstone Country Bar.
Baker is preparing for a two-night grand opening production starting on Friday, Feb. 14, with doors opening at 7 p.m., and live music following at 10 p.m.
“It was really important to me that I kept the historic value of this property… because the Cornerstone is a landmark here,” he said about the Cornerstone name.
To remain on theme, his staff will don jeans and branded Wrangler shirts, and around 30 new jobs will be created.
“(Kyle Forrest) is leasing the kitchen from me with his Paddy Wagon brand. In order to have a liquor licence you’ve got to have food, right, so I found him and we had a great chat,” Baker said.
For 28 years, Baker has worked in law enforcement across Saskatchewan serving as a Special Constable in Candle Lake, director of protective services for the RM of Mervin, and as a contracted fire chief in the RM of Hoodoo.
Baker has also been a professional musician for the past 30 years.
With his production team in town from Ontario, Baker is now working on the final touches and hopes to deliver an unforgettable concert-style experience by combining the energy of a large-scale show with the charm of an intimate local setting.
“My plan is to set a very unique tone in here,” he explained. “We’re installing a professional light show on stage, and we’re going to have a professional sound system in here.”
Baker’s emphasis on entertainment extends beyond the music itself. “When I go into a club, I want to see a show; I don’t just want to see three or four guys playing instruments,” he said. With choreographed performances and nonstop, two-hour shows starting at 10 p.m., the Cornerstone Country Bar is set to redefine Moose Jaw’s live music scene.
On his opening night, Baker will showcase “When Rock and Country Collide,” his very own trademarked two-day production that blends country and rock music genres. Friday night will feature his country band, and on Saturday, the stage will transform into an electrifying tribute to Hair Nation.
To complete the deal, he hired local musicians from Moose Jaw to Regina and one from Saskatoon to join his band.
In the basement, a rustic, Al Capone-inspired Western saloon will soon be available to book private functions for around 40 individuals.
Baker is transforming the venue into a community-focused space. Along with its custom décor, including a hand-painted and 3D-printed logo, the bar will feature memorabilia including a plaque from Baker’s appearance on Highway Through Hell and a dedicated section honouring fire and police personnel. He also plans to support mental health awareness with several upcoming events.
“We’re both very law enforcement friendly, and… I’ve spoken to a couple (members) of the Moose Jaw Police Service. I welcome them here, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with open arms — same with the (Moose Jaw Fire Department).
“It’s going to be a very unique, welcoming, and friendly experience, yet with zero tolerance (for rowdiness),” stated Baker. “I want this to be a place where everybody can come have a great time.”
For more information call 306-692-4747, visit CornerstoneCountry.ca, or visit ‘Cornerstone Bar’ on Facebook.
The Cornerstone Country Bar is located at 8 Main Street North.
