Historic Dawn Theater co-owners Jeff and Marcy Horton decided to keep the theater open on a temporary basis after a Dec. 31 closing announcement induced an outpouring of sadness and support for the local venue.
“Yesterday, they [the Hortons] had a change of heart from the comments on Facebook and people who enjoy the place,” General Manager David Semmler told the Collegian. “We’re going to have another go at it.”
In its New Year’s Eve Facebook post about that night’s open mic event, the Dawn Theater said the last night of 2014 would be the venue’s final event.
“Over the last 8 months the Dawn theater has provided an excellent venue for local musicians to showcase their talents, and many friendships have been forged in the process,” the post said. “…Tonight, due to a rental cancellation, we will be having our last open mic in honor of them. Let’s make it a good one and show them how much we have appreciated their time, talents, and commitments.”
Many disappointed with the announcement commented on the post sharing their regret.
“Step up Hillsdale we cannot let the place die forever,” one commenter said.
Semmler said the support shown since Dec. 31 influenced the Hortons to keep the theater open on a trial basis although they haven’t decided on how much business will have to increase to keep it open.
“They haven’t determined how long, but we’ll review it as we go every month,” Semmler said. “This first month is a crucial one. If everything goes well the rest of the month, we should be able to keep it open.”
Semmler said several groups booked events at the venue in the upcoming months, like Hillsdale College’s Battle of the Bands in February, and he hopes the venue will remain open to host them.
“We’re playing it by ear, but we’re going to carry on,” Semmler said.
