Nectar’s, a linchpin of the local music community and night life in Burlington, is officially closing its doors after a half-century on Main Street. The small, independent music venue served as a springboard for many acclaimed musicians over the years, notably the popular jam band Phish.
First reported by Seven Days, the downtown staple announced its closure on social media Wednesday. An outpouring of comments offered stalwart support to Nectar’s.
“Nectar’s will no longer occupy the space that helped shape the soul of Burlington’s music scene,” the company wrote in an Instagram and Facebook post. “While our time at this beloved address is coming to a close, the spirit of Nectar’s will live on.”
The decision came after Nectar’s took a summer hiatus starting June 8 amid waning foot traffic as a result of the ongoing Main Street construction project and public safety concerns in downtown Burlington, the company previously said.
The venue’s owners said they aimed to use the pause to envision a future course for Nectar’s.
“The energy has shifted. And for a small, independent venue like ours, that shift cuts deep,” the company said in Instagram and Facebook posts on May 8. “We believe in what Nectar’s stands for. And we believe Burlington still needs places like this — spaces that nurture creativity, foster community and keep the music alive.”
Nectar’s owners did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
