The closure of the beloved Maywood, Wicked Witch and Night Rider has left a hole in the black heart of Raleigh’s underground scene. With alternative spaces closing, you may be wondering: Where do the emo kids, metalheads and self-proclaimed outcasts go? Look no further than Chapel of Bones — coffee shop by day, alternative music venue by night.

Opened in 2023 by Steve Sommerville, Chapel of Bones is truly one of a kind. Where else can you get a latte and see a high-energy burlesque show all in the span of a few hours?

With many queer-positive and alternative safe spaces closing their doors, Chapel of Bones is a marker of resilience in a time of uncertainty. Their sense of community and openness is what keeps this small business motivated in trying times.

During their daytime hours, Chapel of Bones is a great place to study, connect with friends, and enjoy a caffeinated beverage from their gothic-themed menu. When the sun sets, and the stage lights turn on, the venue hosts a slew of events from metal shows to karaoke and even amateur drag competitions. 

Chapel of Bones provides a safe space for people from all walks of life. A unique and heartwarming component of the venue is that they welcome children to a portion of their events. 

They host a School of Rock event, which allows kids to perform for their loved ones and express themselves through music. Sommerville says that it’s very important for young people to be able to have an outlet for self-expression. 

“I want young people to have a place to go and a sense of community. I think that’s been missing to an extent,” Steve Sommerville said. “We’ve been doing a lot of stuff that I didn’t even expect, like School of Rock. They’ll rent out our space and kids get up on stage and play for their parents and grandparents.”

Chapel of Bones is very active in the Raleigh queer community, donating their time and money to various LGBTQ+ organizations. They host many events such as Punk and Drag, Glitter Hour and Lesbian Fight Night, which gives queer people the space to connect.

“Making a space where that community feels safe and welcome is extremely important to us,” Steve Sommerville said. “During Pride Month we make up some drinks and donate a percentage to the LGBT Center of Raleigh.”

Chapel of Bones prides themselves as being a safe space for everyone. They want to be an escape from the daily stressors of life and be a place to relax and come together.

“I feel so happy when I see people having a good time. They look like they’re in their element,” Steve Sommerville said. “[They] don’t worry so much about what’s happening, all the stressors and anxieties. I want to capture that feeling when you walk in, and you can be around other music and art lovers and forget about life for a bit.”

The love of coffee and metal runs in the family, with production manager and bartender Lizzy Sommerville following in her father’s footsteps.

“My dad was the one that got it going and I really wanted to be a part of it, but I wasn’t 21 yet,” Lizzy Sommerville said. “I just kind of hung around and did what I could. Once I was 21, I went from barista to bar to where I’m at now.”

Chapel of Bones is needed now in Raleigh more than ever. Alternative people have been pushed out of other spaces and need a place to celebrate their interests and love of music.

“When the Night Rider and Wicked Witch closed, [that] was really sad,” Lizzy Sommerville said. “That was a big spot for the LGBTQ+ crowd, so when they closed, a lot of people were really emotional and were coming to us … talking about how increasingly important Chapel of Bones is.”

If you’re new to the local scene and want to check out Chapel of Bones, don’t hesitate. They offer a comfortable and inclusive experience that will have you leaving with good memories and many new friends.

“I feel like most of the time when I go out, maybe I was shy. Everything feels very cliquey or you come in with your people,” Lizzy Sommerville said. “Everything at Chapel of Bones is so community-focused. It’s a community that values everyone.”

Whether you’re a seasoned mosher or a baby bat, Chapel of Bones has something for everyone. Go to a show, grab a cup of coffee and support our small businesses.