BY BEN GORMAN
Newport has recently become the entertainment hub of the Cincinnati area, but the Southgate House has been providing entertainment since the founding of the area. The Southgate House is one of the city’s oldest, most historic buildings. It was constructed by British P.O.W.’s in 1814, during the War of 1812. The building received many famous visitors such as President Lincoln. Most importantly, The Southgate House was the birthing place and home of Brig. Gen. John Tariaferro Thompson, the father of the Tommy Gun.
Today and for the past 30 years it has been a music venue under the management of Ross Raleigh. The venue has been chosen by the prestigious Paste Magazine as one of the World’s Best 40 Concert Venues. It has hosted high caliber bands such as The White Stripes, The Avett Brothers, The Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse, and The Black Keys.
On December 31, 2011 everything will change.
Due to a family legal issue, Raleigh is forced to give up the historic house to his sister, owner of the Newport strip club, The Brass Ass.
The Southgate House has grown close to the hearts of many who live in Cincinnati and don’t want to say goodbye. Raleigh promised that he will open a new venue in the near future, but can any building replace the Southgate House?
Something musical is always going on. Each night multiple shows are held in multiple rooms. The bigger shows are held in the basement Ballroom. There are two smaller rooms upstairs, the Parlour and the Gallery, to house local and upcoming acts. Sadly, shows are often times restricted for adults 18 and older, but if one brings a parent or someone older they let it slide.
In the Parlour, there is no elevated stage or dressing room. This creates the most personal concert experience. The band waits to hit the stage with the audience. They often talk and share a drink with the crowd at the bar in the back of the room.
Before entering a visitor will find a gathering of people of all ages and backgrounds gathered on the lawn. It provides a meeting ground for crowds at every stage to meet and talk about their show before and after their awaited band plays.
Apart from being a historic, personal venue, the Southgate House is known for its strategic booking. They make sure they pair together bands that will work well together, but also pull from two different fan bases. Often times a local band of the same genre will play with a national touring group.
I recall my first experience at the house. I saw the stringed jazz band, Pokey Lafarge and the South City Three on Wednesday or Thursday night.
I walked inside and heard the fuzz guitars coming from the punk rock music in the Ballroom. I was very concerned about the excess noise that may flood from the ballroom to the Parlour. As we climbed the stairs, the walls were able to dampen the sound.
In the Parlour, the first opener was already well into their set. It was a local Cincinnati band. They were mediocre, but my first experience in this house allowed it to be very enjoyable. The room looked as though it hadn’t been redecorated since the home’s first owners. The walls were covered in bookracks and old murals. The old-time music made me feel like I was actually in another era.
As it was a school night, we had to duck out early. Pokey noticed us leaving and called us out on stage. We told him we had school and stopped the show to shake our hands goodbye. He told us, “Next time come on a Friday night!”
An experience like this can only come from one place in the world, The Southgate House. I implore everyone to experience this musical phenomenon before it’s too late!
Visit http://www.southgatehouse.com/ to help plan your trip.
