The Historic Southgate House-circa 2011
Earlier this week, The Historic Southgate House in Newport, Ky. announced it will be closing its doors and handing over the ownership at the end of the year. This was a shock to everyone in the music community as it played a huge roll for all music fans alike. Some of us got our start there, some of us have worked there but almost everyone has at least one fond memory that occurred there. Mine are to many to count, even the ridiculous load-ins up and down the stairs to the parlor had some funny moments. I think what makes this difficult is the abruptness of the closing. Some places just fade away, change owners, staff, even music styles. This place, though, for the past 30 years, is what I would consider the CBGB’s of our town. They accepted all kinds of music and gave everyone chance. From the sound guys, the bartenders and the staff(past and present), they have endured countless hours of artists perfecting their craft, night after night. That is what separates the SG house from any other venue. They didn’t cater to a particular crowd, scene or style of music which often is the death of so many venues. to me that is why it has stood the test of time.
Of course, a building is just a building unless its occupants invite you in and make you feel at home. Which, to me, is what the SG house did so well. There are places that make you feel like you walked in on a private social gathering or just threw vibes that you just didn’t belong. The people over the past 30 years(past and present employees alike) have made what it had become. Even it was made out of straw, had dirt floors and a single light bulb, it would still receive the recognition that it does. Not because its a 200 year old building but how the business model ran for so many years.
To The Jockey Club, Shorty’s, Sudsy’s, Ripley’s, Top Cat’s, The Madhatter and the Southgate House(the latter two being the most recent)just to name a few….your time and effort to bring people together and give musicians a chance to perfect their craft is always truly appreciated. The time it takes to run a business, manage a staff and maintain a building goes beyond just practicing one or two days a week to prepare for a 35 minute set. That is what I thank you for the most. Best of luck and we’ll see you soon!