James Mileti, owner of Lakewood’s Winchester Music Hall, sent out an email to the club mailing list this morning, announcing the immediate closure of the venue on Madison Avenue that he’s run for 12 years.
In that time, he’s booked a schedule that strongly appealed to older music fans, heavy on blues, classic rockers, progressive rock, and tribute bands, along with occasional jazz shows, jam bands, Celtic music, and acoustic acts. The room was particularly known for bringing back ’70s acts such as the Strawbs, Wishbone Ash, Savoy Brown, Leon Russell, Pat Travers, Jesse Colin Young, Fairport Convention, and Commander Cody.
Mileti cited his religious beliefs as the reason for closing. In his email he said, “The importance of walking uprightly in the eyes of the Lord outweighs any and all other factors, and our selling booze to people is not making God smile. If we were the cause of a brother stumbling, woe to us. The path for Rebecca [his wife] and my life should be to uplift our brother not to make him stumble. This is of the utmost importance. We want to dedicate our lives to making more eternal residents in the kingdom of God, not to putting stumbling blocks in their path.”
What’s strange is that the venue was closed suddenly without advance notice, cancelling half a dozen upcoming shows, including touring blues acts Chris Duarte, Gina Sicilia, and the Kelly Richey Band, despite the fact the Mileti says the decision was made “after literally years of agonizing in prayer and consideration.”
The Miletis are putting the venue up for sale “lock, stock and barrel.” That includes the liquor license. He says, “You could be hosting shows literally next week.” Call 216-226-5681.
Here’s the full text of his email:
Dear music lovers and friends:
The much loved Winchester Music Hall is now closed and has been put up for sale.
After literally years of agonizing in prayer and consideration, the decision has been made to close The Winchester and put it up for sale.
The importance of walking uprightly in the eyes of the Lord outweighs any and all other factors, and our selling booze to people is not making God smile. If we were the cause of a brother stumbling, woe to us. The path for Rebecca and my life should be to uplift our brother not to make him stumble. This is of the utmost importance. We want to dedicate our lives to making more eternal residents in the kingdom of God, not to putting stumbling blocks in their path.
So The Winchester Music Hall, fresh on the heels of being voted the BEST live music venue in Cleveland through the Cleveland Hot List again in 2014 (and every year since 2009) is for sale, lock, stock and barrel. First come, first served. If anyone is interested in taking The Winchester Music Hall over, the phone will remain on. You could be hosting shows literally next week. 216-226-5681.
The dear place where I met my wife, the place where we had our wedding reception, the place where I have made countless friends and together experienced wonderful things over twelve years, the place where magical music was created by the world’s top musicians, is now closed.
Why? Because the will of God is stronger and more important than any worldly thing, and to be a part of it is the ultimate joy. Won’t you join us in Jesus’ love?
Please call me if you want to discuss the amazing and perfect salvation that Jesus will provide you just for asking Him.
Thank you all for your amazing support and friendship over the years.
God bless you all, friends.
James & Rebecca Mileti
The Winchester Music Hall
12112 Madison Ave
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216-226-5681
Lakewood, OH 44107