Sad News For Local Music Lovers

June 3, 2008 at 8:38 am

STANHOPE, N.J., June 2 (UPI) -- The Stanhope House, a popular northern New Jersey venue for blues and rock music, is about to close its doors, its Web site has disclosed.

The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger reported that all scheduled shows have been canceled because of a falling out between the owners, Richard Urmston and Matt "Angus" Williams.

"Alas, the Stanhope House will be closing for good," said a statement posted on the club's Web site.

Built about 1790, the Sussex County institution's colorful past includes duty as a post office and a speakeasy.

Since the mid-1960s, it has been a venue for musical acts such as Josh Smith and The Frost, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Weir, Roger McGuinn, Ralph Stanley and Robert Randolph, The Star-Ledger said.

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