(above: Ponytail playing Market Hotel in happier times)

Looks like there was trouble for Market Hotel this weekend:

“so…. Market Hotel got into some police trouble. What does this mean? Hard to tell. Places have survived such things before, including Market Hotel, but every situation is different and we will have to wait and see. For the near future, Market Hotel will go dark, and scheduled events will be relocated. The longterm goal remains as it always has been: to make Market Hotel a licensed community space… but money is a challenge of course. We have consulted many times with architects / lawyers and it is attainable! If you want to help achieve that goal, please get in touch @ themarkethotel@gmail.com. Thanks for your support!”

Please remember, shows in other spots are not affected – including tonight’s Easter punk show at Monster Island Basement. Come out, it’ll be terrific, and triumphant!” [Todd P]”

So, as local promoter Todd Patrick asks, what does this mean for the space and for other DIY venues? What can other spaces learn from what happened to Market Hotel, especially if this closure remains permanent? Perhaps the scale and size of Market Hotel lent itself to being shut down, as opposed to smaller places that are hosting shows that can remain more inconspicuous.

And if Market Hotel does became a licensed community space, does that mean it would become available for more promoters, bands, and bookers? Only time will tell, but perhaps this closure will lend the space to a new start.