An outpouring of support for local, live-music venue the Historic Dawn Theater saved it from closing on New Year’s Eve. Since then, an “uptick in business” assures its doors will remain open for now.
Co-owners Jeff and Marcy Horton decided to keep the theater open on a temporary basis after a Dec. 31 closing announcement induced community members to voice their support for the business.
“Step up Hillsdale we cannot let this place die forever,” one commenter said on the Dawn Theater’s Facebook status announcing its closing.
General Manager Dave Semmler told the Collegian in early January that the first month of staying open would be a crucial one in determining the Dawn’s future. Since then, Semmer said the Dawn has seen an “uptick in business” for featured bands, open mic nights, and private event reservations.
“We got a lot of support from the community. No one wanted it to close up,” Semmler said. “A couple weeks ago, when we hosted STD [Silver Tongue Devils], we had one of the best weekends ever … everyone’s pretty happy and they want it to continue to stay open.”
One of the Dawn’s most frequent musicians at its open mic nights and a large supporter, Casey Rowe, attested to the unique opportunities the Dawn Theater provides to both musicians and music lovers.
“There’s no place around that offers starting-out musicians a place to play like the Dawn,” Rowe said. “I had just broken up with a band when I started playing at the Dawn and I just got up there with my acoustic guitar and played popular covers. Dave gave me an opportunity to grow as a musician, and what I am now is a product of the opportunity he gave me.”
In addition to serving as a stage for him to share his music, Rowe said he enjoys the crowd the Dawn attracts since it is receptive to hearing new songs and developing musicians.
“It seems like everybody doesn’t really care about the skill set, because it’s more about the passion — a passion for music that is genuine,” Rowe said. “They’re not there to cut you down but show you support. It’s one of those places that’s rough around the edges, but aesthetics aren’t everything, it’s the people — just like the sign on the way into town says.”
He added that while he appreciates the crowd’s support, one of his favorite aspects of the theater is an atmosphere that fosters serious conversations about music.
In addition to its open mic nights and featured bands, the Dawn also holds many events for local groups, like Hillsdale College. On Jan. 31, Hillsdale College InterVarsity hosted a concert with free admission featuring a pop-folk narrative band, The Gray Havens.
Senior Shelly Peters, who serves on InterVarsity’s Vision Team, said the Dawn served as an ideal venue for the concert and other events like it.
“The Dawn is adorably ‘Mumford and Sons-esque.’ It is a natural kind of artistic brilliance,” Peters said. “[It] has everything. Sweet stage, iconic, huge American flag in the background, place for the audience to stand and be up close with the artists, tables and chairs in the back, refreshments, balcony upstairs, and a unique style … I wish we could host many events at the Dawn.”
Aside from the theater being a good concert space, Peters said she hopes it will help bring the college and community together.
“I believe that the Dawn could be the genesis of an artistic revival here in Hillsdale,” Peters said. “Music defines and binds a community together, and I hope that unity is on the horizon at the Dawn.”
