Pandemic forces abrupt closure of popular Portland music venue
Courtesy / Brittany Rose Queen Photography
The band against Against Me! is seen here on March 12, the final Port City Music Hall show.
Port City Music Hall, a performance space in downtown Portland that has hosted prominent national acts since 2012, has closed its doors permanently.
The venue, which has a capacity of 550 people, made the announcement late Wednesday in a Facebook post.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of Port City Music Hall, one of Portland’s great live music venues,” the Facebook post said. “For the last eight years, we’ve nurtured national and local bands, we’ve hosted countless benefits, and provided a safe, inclusive space for people to gather.
"Live music venues were the first businesses to close at the start of the pandemic, and will be the last to reopen, the post said, adding, “Port City Music Hall unfortunately cannot survive this crisis without revenue — and no end in sight.”
Located at 504 Congress St. in downtown Portland’s Arts District, Port City has hosted a mix of nationally known popular music performers as well as Maine bands such as the Ghost of Paul Revere.
The venue usually offers drinks and casual food. Port City shows are generally standing-room-only except for 50 stools in a raised area.
The music hall is owned and operated by the State Theatre, a partnership between Alex Crothers and The Bowery Presents, a New York City-based independent concert promoter. The partnership also operates a historic performance venue of the same name, a few blocks from Port City.
“Sadly, if there isn’t some industry-targeted relief soon we will not be the last venue to close its doors in Maine,” Port City predicted in its Facebook post.
The venue is processing refunds for ticket holders, or a 150% credit option for a State Theatre show. By Thursday morning, most Port City shows appeared to be canceled or rescheduled.
Other performing arts organizations have canceled their 2020 seasons because of the pandemic.
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It is heartbreaking to hear that this wonderful venue has become a casualty of this pandemic. In a way,our entire lifestyles have become one. Live music has been a great joy in my life,as it has for most of my friends.i miss it,and will miss enjoying the hospitality of Port City.
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