When Krstyal Thompson first joked about taking over the old Sandbar Restaurant, she never expected it would actually become reality. Yet a week later, she was still thinking about it, and before she knew it, the ball was in motion to get the doors open to what is now Club Current.

“How often in life do you get someone just to hand you the keys to a venue and say, ‘do what you want?’ That is beautiful, right?” she says, smiling at the memory.

What started as a chance opportunity quickly became the place to be. Club Current aims to be known as a club that will redefine what nightlife can mean for Kamloops. For Thompson, the goal is clear: build an ethical, inclusive, and safe venue where people can get out, have fun, and celebrate themselves and one another.

Thompson isn’t new to nightlife. “I’ve been serving and bartending for 17 years. Well, serving for 22 years, but in liquor establishments for 17 years,” she explains. After retiring from bartending earlier this year to focus on performance, she found herself drawn back into the industry in a new role — club manager. Being a performer and instructor at a local pole studio, as well, Thompson is well aware of the challenges performers face in finding safe and inclusive spaces to show off their skills.

The main vibe in Club Current stems from its emphasis on safety and inclusivity. Thompson talks about how people who come out to the club will often say how different the atmosphere feels compared to a “traditional nightclub.”

“We’re inclusive, and we’re safe. And that’s what I want. I want a safe, inclusive space for people to come out and have a good night,” Thompson says. She makes it clear that consent is key.

Drag shows, pole performances, bands, and live DJs all take the stage at Club Current, and there are always opportunities for local performers to chat with Thompson about getting their time to shine. Thompson welcomes new ideas and collaborations.

“I get messages all the time from people who want to do different things, and I’m always open to it. Always, always open to any ideas because I want to bring all the different people in here.”

That variety, openness, and desire to encourage both talent and patrons is what makes this place special. And the fact that it is built by and for locals. “As a small business, you see that local community support,” Thompson says.

To support that talent, 100 percent of the cover charges go directly to performers.

Thompson encourages people to find their crowd. “Come out and show us that there’s a need for this kind of space in Kamloops!” And people have been showing up and have been responding with enthusiasm. “Everybody who’s come to the doors has talked about how much they love it. How surprised they are. How safe they feel here. Every one of our reviews on Google so far is five stars,” Thompson says proudly.

But opening a club doesn’t come without challenges. Thompson is balancing her vision with the practicalities of starting new. After the space sat closed for nearly a year, Thompson has been pouring her energy into building the vibes, the talent, and the community to make this space a stand-out spot.

“Right now, the vision is just to keep the door open. We’re just surviving. And I hope that my work ethic and my intentions show through, and that I can build a community here.” From fleece blankets on the patio in the fall to a wide variety of top-notch talent, being adaptable and creative is all part of the master plan. Krystal’s performer-run company, Inverted Entertainment, also takes the stage from time to time and there are weekly themed nights to keep the excitement levels high.

At the end of the day, Thompson strives to build Club Current into a place of belonging. Whether you’re part of the queer community, a local artist looking for a stage, or simply someone seeking a fun night without pressure, the club offers a place where you can feel at home. For Thompson, the mission is clear: “I want to build that kind of community where we can have drag shows here, where we can have respectable shows here, where everyone feels safe. That’s why I’m here.”