This article may be updated.
COVINGTON, KY – The Madison Theater in Covington has permanently closed its doors after its lease was suddenly terminated and its doors were locked by the building owner, the venue posted on social media.
“This venue has been far more than a business to us. It has been a dream, a gathering place, a home for music, celebrations, friendships, and unforgettable memories,” the post states.
Frank Hulefeld, programming director for the Madison Theater and Madison Live! venues in Covington, took over the venues in 2021. He signed the statement posted online.
Hulefeld did not immediately respond to an interview request from The Enquirer.
The Madison Theater is located 730 Madison Avenue, across the street from the recently revamped building that’s home to SparkHaus and near the Purrfect Day Cafe and Galaxie restaurant.
On June 19, the venue’s glass doors appeared to be blocked by lumber boards.
The Enquirer is working to gather more information about the closure.
For now, here’s what the social media post says:
Who owns the property?
The building is owned by Enc Properties LLC, a real estate and property management firm, according to the Kenton County Property Value Administrator website.
The company is linked to Taylor Mill woman Lillian Esther Johnson, who’s listed as a registered agent of the company in its most recent filings on the Kentucky Secretary of State website.
Neither could be reached for comment for this article.
Covington mayor says city ‘stands ready to assist’
Covington Mayor Ron Washington said the city has long-valued the role Madison Theater plays in bringing live music and entertainment to the city.
In a Facebook post, he said, “Our Economic Development team stands ready to assist any operator or investor interested in the property. We are committed to supporting efforts that will keep this space active and productive so that downtown Covington can continue to offer the arts, entertainment, and cultural experiences that have become an important part of our community.”
The Enquirer could not immediately reach Washington for additional information.
What’s going to happen to Covington Metal Fest? Catch 22? Leftöver Crack?
The fifth annual Covington Metal Fest is still happening after the Madison Theater announced its sudden, permanent closure on social media June 19.
The festival has been moved to the nearby Southgate House Revival in Newport.
According to a Facebook event, the all-ages festival will begin at 3:30 p.m. and 14 bands are slated to play on two stages.
Leftöver Crack, a staple for punk rock lovers in the 1990s and early 2000s, was slated to play June 19, the same day the closure was announced.
That show has been moved to Swine City Brewing in Fairfield, Ohio.
Another performance, LIVEWIRE Summer Kickoff Party featuring Zacarious and 300 Pins, was scheduled June 19. It’s unclear whether that concert will still take place elsewhere.
Other bands were also set to play at the venue soon, including popular 90s ska band Catch 22, which was supposed to take the stage June 24.
No information about that or other scheduled shows could immediately be found online.
Know more about what will happen with the upcoming shows? Email reporter Jolene Almendarez at jolenea@gannett.com.
You can read Madison Theater’s entire statement about the closure in the post below:
Have a news tip? Comment? You can reach Northern Kentucky reporter Jolene Almendarez at jolenea@usatodayco.com or follow her on social media. Keep up with Northern Kentucky news at NKY.com or by downloading our NKY news app.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Madison Theater permanently closes. What we know
Reporting by Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
