Hugh’s Room, considered as one of Toronto’s top intimate music venues, closed its doors this weekend citing financial troubles.
“To all our supporters – performers, audience, and staff – I am sincerely sorry to have to say that Hugh’s Room has reached a point of insolvency,” owner Richard Carson said in a statement posted on the venue’s website.
The west-end Toronto club and restaurant located on Dundas Street West abruptly cancelled a James Taylor tribute concert on Friday leading many to speculate about the venue’s future.
“It’s been a very difficult weekend at Hugh’s Room. We are going through some very difficult times,” Carson told Global News.
“It just got to the point last Friday where I didn’t honestly feel that I could go through the weekend knowing people (wouldn’t) get paid and how they were going to get paid.”
Musician Julian Taylor said he got the call just hours before sound check.
“It was devastating,” Taylor said.
“I love Hugh’s Room. It’s by far one of the best listening rooms in the country and every time I’ve played there – and I’ve played there a bunch of times – the staff have been wonderful and Richard the owner has been wonderful. It’s a great room to play in and to see music.”
Hugh’s Room, which opened in 2001 and holds a capacity of 200 patrons, was home to Toronto’s eclectic music scene.
Ron Sexsmith, who recently performed at a Bacharach tribute show last year, expressed his sadness over the closure on Twitter.
Hugh’s Room has reportedly been under financial strain for quite some time.
Carson said he is currently looking at options going forward but hopes this isn’t the end for venue.
“There has been quite an outpouring of support for the room and I’m really encouraged by that,” Carson said.
“I’m encouraged by the support for me, for the room and the possibility of moving forward.”
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