Entertainment venues took a hit in 2006
By JORGE SANCHEZ
Published December 31, 2006
The entertainment scene in Citrus did not have a good year in 2006, with the loss of several important venues.
- In February, Galeria San Sebastian ended a one-year run at the Courthouse Square in Inverness. During its stay, gallery owner Kelli Sebastian infused a much-needed dose of culture to the downtown. Her receptions for exhibiting artists attracted many art patrons and introduced many others to the world of art. Unfortunately, the gallery, which chose to sell collector-style and priced art, was not economically feasible and lasted only one year.
- Casey's Pub and Grill, another longtime Inverness night spot on U.S. 41 S, also closed down in October. The closure was first billed as a remodeling, but the popular rock 'n' roll joint never re-opened.
- After a brief fling with casual fine dining and live music, Sabah Nightspot on U.S. 41 N in Inverness drastically scaled back its offerings. It just seemed that the legacy of restaurant failures at that location worked against it and new diners just didn't give it a chance. As business continued to dwindle, the executive chef moved on, live music is only one night a week, and chicken wings and beer took over the menu. Sabah is still open, but the original concept is gone.
- Closed also was the Gypsy's Den in Crystal River, which hosted classic rock for those on the west side of the county.
The entertainment business is pretty rough. Profit margins are small and the hours and challenges are tough. Many establishments last only a little while.
But when lounges and restaurants that had been open for many years close, it's time to note their passing and wonder what, if anything, will take their place.
Will Citrus County continue to lose its locally owned eateries and pubs, as the chains of Applebee's, Outback and Ruby Tuesday come in and squeeze the locals even harder? That would be a shame, in my opinion. A community needs to have its own entertainment venue: those funky places that are unique to themselves, and not just another franchise along the highway.
On the positive side, community theater, with its built-in audience of mostly seniors, continues to thrive. There are three main community theater groups in Citrus: The Arts Center Theatre in Citrus Hills, along with Gulf Islands Civic Theatre and Playhouse 19, both in Crystal River.
All three community theaters offered a full season of musicals, comedies and dramas, and the mostly senior age population here supports them.
Young people got their own place this year: Club Atmosphere on U.S. 19 in Homosassa Springs. With live music, a great light show and a youthful interior decor, Club Atmosphere is like a big-city nightspot, and the 20- and 30-somethings are happy they don't have to drive to Tampa.
There was even a new concert venue unearthed: The Citrus County Speedway, which hosted an evening of southern rock this summer with The Artimus Pyle Band and Marshall Tucker. It was the first rock concert held at the speedway, and maybe with its success, the organizers will come back in 2007.
The long-dormant Rock Crusher Canyon Amphitheater came back to life, albeit for one night, when country singer Gretchen Wilson performed in December.
Jorge Sanchez covers arts and entertainment in Citrus. Contact him at sanchez@sptimes.com or (352)860-7313 or toll free at 1-800-333-7505 ext. 7313.