issue 35 working_Layout 1 9/16/2013 10:11 AM Page 12
When a door closes, open a window ..
CIDER MAGAZINE ISSUE 35
PG 12
WWW.CIDERMAG.COM
Josh Hearne’s name and image as Barnaby’s has become a local staple in the ongoing fight for a thriving live music scene. The music festival series, Barnaby’s Presents, is still widely considered one of the best music platforms in Southern Vermont, even after a poor 2013 where outside factors such as licensing, weather, and national competition sent the promotor, and his new music hall in Brattleboro on a downward spiral. But the great thing about people like Josh is when you close a door, he will find a way to open a window. For the past few months, the vacant Nick’s bar in Bellows Falls, one of the countries oldest standing drinking holes, was an eery reminder of how no business is safe in these hard economic times. Nick’s had it’s share of unpopular rumors and run ins with the law and the previous owner decided to step away from the business, closing Nick’s doors for good. What most people saw as another empty store front, Josh Hearne saw opportunity. Josh’s long time dream to run his own Irish Pub has now come true, as he proudly hung the sign to Donovan’s Food and Spirits on the outside of the famed building. So as so many live music fans were still mourning the loss of Barnaby’s Music Hall in Brattleboro, Josh was hard at work bringing a new destination for nightlife, food, drink and music to the masses. How will the new place fair, especially only steps down the road from one of the most established Irish Pubs in Vermont, PK’s? Only time will tell, but you have to wonder if there is room enough for two in such a small town. “I think it will be great!” said a regular to both PK’s and the former Nick’s. “The weekends here in Bellows Falls see a lot of foot traffic between the two places, always have. Let’s have a drink at PK’s, let’s have a drink at Nick’s. It’s been that way for a long time. I think they both can thrive and if they find ways to work together, could have a very cool niche at work.” Cider would like to send congratulatons to Josh and wish him all the success as he starts the path of his new endeavor. Go check out Donovan’s, and order a pint!
Former Barnaby’s owner opens new Irish Pub in Bellows Falls