Southgate history
Richard Southgate was one of Newport’s founders. Legend has it, Southgate used British prisoners, captured during the war of 1812, as labor to help build the Southgate House.
Source: Local12
NEWPORT KY. — New Year’s Eve will be the last day of business at the historic concert venue Southgate House.
Built in 1812, Southgate House has been owned and operated by Ross Raleigh for 30 years. Its notable past includes visits from then future presidents such as Abraham Lincoln and American innovators.
Raleigh said his sisters take over Jan. 1, 2012, and he has to be out by Jan. 7.
“I have not had any discussion with them about that at all. In fact we don’t ever talk,” he said when asked by Local12 what will become of the mansion.
Raleigh announced plans to reopen in a new, future location which remains unknown. He expects to make an announcement on the new location in the next two weeks and homes to reopen in the first quarter of 2012.
The New Year’s show will have more than 10 bands, and tickets range from $10 to $15. For more information, visit www.southgatehouse.com.
The Southgate House has been contributing to the music scene since 1976, bringing with it not only a lengthy resume of showcasing local and national talent but of American history as well.
The mansion was built by former Kentucky state representative Richard Southgate and reputedly hosted President Abraham Lincoln as a guest in 1856. It was the birthplace of United States Army Brigadier General John Thompson — creator of the Thompson “Tommy Gun” Machine Gun — before beginning its current incarnation as a music club.
Diverse music has been a staple at Southgate House — illustrated by the national acts the venue has hosted through the years ranging from country artists Hank Williams III, Marty Stuart and Townes Van Zandt to alternative bands such as the White Stripes, Arcade Fire and The Misfits — garnered the club recognition in 2007 as one of the top 40 music venues in the country by the independent music magazine Paste.
It is not just national acts Southgate House has supported however. The venue has also been one of the region’s staunchest advocates for local musicians, said Bill Furbee, marketing manager for Southgate House.
“For nearly 30 years we’ve nurtured local artists of every stripe, from Country to Rock, Blues to Punk,” Furbee said. “Aside from our regular talent schedule, several times every year we help the local music community organize events that raise a significant amount of funds for local non-profit organizations.”
The building has left a lasting impression on both patrons and musicians that enter its doors, adding to its allure, Furbee said.
“Almost every single person to walk through our front door is overwhelmed by ‘what a cool building this is,’ “ Furbee said. “Musicians who perform here seem to overwhelming enjoy being part of this unique building’s history and future.”
Local12 contributed to this report.
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