The Soapbox To Close In July

Eastern North Carolina has always been the red-headed stepchild of the state. While there's gems hidden within the confines of this great area, there's never been many quality outlets for entertainment. However, venues like The Soapbox are exceptions to this generalization. Even as a New Bern native this venue, nearly two hours away from home, shaped my views of this state's music scene. Sadly, The Soapbox shared today that the beloved venue will be closing on July 28.

Brent Watkins, proprietor of the venue, released a statement today outlining the venue's closing. Watkins states that "without a significant injection of outside capital for the purchase and much needed facilities improvements, The Soapbox cannot, going forward, continue to operate within its original confines." Unfortunately this is a problem that we've seen far too often in this part of the state, but thankfully the passion for live music lives on within the area. While beloved venues like the Spazzatorium and Broad Street Music have long closed their doors, they've found new outlets through which to spread creativity and to create a community.