GAINESVILLE, FL (CelebrityAccess)– High Dive, the long-running concert venue in downtown Gainesville announced plans to close its doors for good in May after the property was sold for redevelopment.
According to a statement from the club’s owner, Pat Lavery, the venue was notified this week that they have 30 days to vacate the premises.
“While I knew this ending would one day come, I certainly did not think it would come so abruptly. The building has been for sale for many years, probably for close to half of our almost 13-year existence. Many potential sales have fallen through over the years, fueling many rumors. All along the way we have been under the impression that when the property was eventually sold we would receive ample notice with which to properly close out the business and give our community, performers and staff the chance to say their collective goodbyes. Unfortunately, things are coming to an end much sooner than expected,” Lavery said.
“While I am open-minded about finding the perfect location to relocate High Dive, I have not yet found that spot and have accepted the possibility of this being the end of the venue and the name. High Dive and Glory Days Presents! have a number of shows booked beyond the closing date that we are actively working to relocate to other venues. Everyone please hang tight as that is sorted out, we will be in touch very soon with more information,” Lavery added.
The venue, which has been open at the location under various names since the mid-1990s, has operated as the High Dive since 2011. During its tenure, the venue has provided a stage for artists such as The Hails, Arrows in Action, Revivalists, Lindsey Stirling, Stick Figure, Big Freedia, Japanese Breakfast, Mitski, JID, The Struts, Matt Maeson, Ethel Cain, Strfkr, Declan McKenna, Beach Fossils, The 502’s, Megan Maroney, Muscadine Bloodline, Marcus King, Michael Ray, Blackberry Smoke, Amigo the Devil, Clozee, Moon Hooch, Durand Jones, TWRP, Puddles Pity Party, Kyle Kinane, Chris Renzema and many more
The venue’s final show will take place on May 19th with a performance by the Florida-based indie rock band The Hails.
“Every musician has a place where they feel they truly cut their teeth, and High Dive was ours. We take pride in being a band that started in Gainesville and were able to climb the ladder of playing local indie showcases and food truck rallies, to eventually selling out shows of our own. High Dive always welcomed us and gave us countless opportunities to improve — even when we were insufferable college kids who showed up late to soundcheck and sometimes only cared about how many drink tickets we could score,” the band said in a joint statement.
According to Lavery, all scheduled shows until May 19th will take place as planned and he went on to note that they are working on relocating the remaining scheduled shows beyond the planned closing date. Additionally, he stated that there are several dates still open on the calendar that he would like to fill with a “‘last show’ with old friends.”
