Gandy Dancer bids farewell: ‘Hula’ heck is running the show now?
By Paddy Teglia and Deann Armes
NEWS
First photo: Gandy Dancer owners Boni Gravelle and Glenn Croydon dance to live music near the stage they built four years ago. Second photo: Boni Gravelle, in a hula skirt from her home state of Hawaii, celebrates the last holiday season at Gandy Dancer. Photos provided.
For nearly five years, Boni Gravelle and Glenn Croydon welcomed us into their home away from home, taking a brilliant space — formerly Burch Creek Mercantile — and making it feel warm and welcoming. Ogden’s elite musicians played on its humble stage the new owners built by hand.
When you walk into The Gandy Dancer Mercantile, you’re greeted with a smile and wonderment as you peruse the multiple flavors of ice cream and the sheer weight of the used books.
With a mission of making a loving and communal place, while encouraging the arts community in Ogden, Boni and Glenn created a safe space for everyone to rest their bones, dance the night away and feel like they are with family.
Their legacy will continue through Caleb and Morgan Parry, of the Ziegfeld Theater next door. As its new owners, they will expand their vision of the Ogden arts community in the space. While the name may change, the Parrys will ease into their new plans for this treasured spot. The same ice cream and homemade menu will continue, for now, sans books.
As the train changes tracks, and no longer keeps the theme, business resumes Jan. 8. Former owners Boni and Glenn plan to visit often; Boni hopes to continue booking the musicians who have become crowd favorites over the years, earning them a Northern Utah Readers Choice Best Live Music Venue award for three years (Standard-Examiner, 2023-25).
The musicians and regular customers are the things they’ll miss most. They often heard from many people that their space filled a void in the community and helped to address social isolation and loneliness.
“We’ve been so blessed to be part of this community,” Boni said. “There aren’t [music] venues for people to bring their children and grandchildren.”
Boni and Glenn’s last day of operations will be Dec. 27.
We thank them for planting a seed and giving us all a place to feel at home.
Now, these former teachers look forward to enjoying more time at their beautiful Ogden Valley home and bed-and-breakfast, the Wild Turkey Lodge, and Ogden Valley Farm of flowers and vegetables — Boni’s famous muffins will be available there.
In the words of Glenn, speaking about the Parrys: “They’ll be wonderful. We made it into something, and now they get to make it into something.”
We all can’t wait.