Nectar’s to Temporarily Close While Facing “Immense Challenges”
“Nectar’s” by pdbreen is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Nectar’s, the 50-year staple of Burlington, Vt.’s live music landscape and legendary proving ground for the jam scene, has announced a temporary closure. In a message posted to its social channels, the venue spoke to ongoing struggles presented by local redevelopment that caused them to shut their doors through the summer, but forecasted a return in the future as they “actively explor[e] every path forward.”
“With heavy hearts – but continued optimism – we announce that Nectar’s will be pressing pause this summer,” the statement began, “as we face the immense challenges affecting both downtown Burlington and the local live music & entertainment scene. This was not an easy decision. It comes from a place of deep love – for this city, for our music community, and for the countless memories created within these walls. We’re stepping back to reimagine what Nectar’s can be as Burlington charts its path forward.
The truth is, we’ve been hit hard. The Main Street Construction Project has taken a heavier toll than we anticipated. Like many downtown businesses, we’ve felt the impact of reduced foot traffic and public safety concerns. The energy has shifted. And for a small, independent venue like ours, that shift cuts deep. But let us be clear: this is not the end.”
Since 1975, Nectar’s has been the heart of Burlington’s music and a crucial contributor to the broader jam community. Though it’s proved integral in the rise of Grace Potter and set the stage for the first crossing between Cotter Ellis and Goose, its crowning achievement came in the mid-80s, when it became a loving home for the then-unknown local quartet Phish. The pivotal role Nectar’s played in the band’s breakthrough to become one of the most acclaimed groups in the world was immortalized in the title for their 1992 third studio album A Picture of Nectar–again referenced in the lyrics to “Cavern,”–which is covered by a photo of the founder Nectar Rorris. Read more about Nectar’s current management here and the venue’s legacy in a 40th anniversary Q&A from Jambands.com.
“We’ll keep you posted on what’s next,” the statement concludes. “Until then: Stay loud. Stay passionate. Never stop dancing.”
See Nectar’s full message below.
