Middle Earth Music Hall Quality Live Music in Central New England
It was just over a year ago that the first "hobbits" trekked down to Barton Street in Bradford, Vermont to see what all the fuss was about, and found that while they were sleeping, someone gifted them with their very own Middle Earth Music Hall!
That someone was Bradford resident Chris Jones, who for the past seven years has brought live entertainment from around the country to the Bradford Academy auditorium., and the Colatina Exit restaurant. "We really needed a permanent home," said Jones, and this spot was available and perfect. Middle Earth Music Hall opened the weekend of May 2, 2002, to a packed house and has been going strong ever since. Popular folk singer Steve Forbert kicked off opening weekend on Thursday, and The Willie Edwards Blues band rocked the house on Friday. Irish bluegrass group, the McKrells came from Saratoga, NY on Saturday to round out an exhilarating weekend.
Middle Earth founder Chris Jones
Since then Middle Earth Music Hall has hosted the likes of Richie Havens, Janis Ian, Aztec Two Step, Tom Rush, Solas and a host of bands, with names like Gopher Broke, Nobby Reed Project and Tempest, to groups and singles from around the country and around the world. It's reputation as a listening room and "not just another club," has spread far and wide. It's standing room only each Wednesday as the area's many talented musicians take their turns at open mic.
"Ticket sales are off, and this isn't a good time for Americans to push boundaries, yet I'm doing well in spite of the economic downturn," said Jones. Founder and Chief Hobbit, Chris Jones is what one could call an aberration in the music industry, as evidenced by the incredible variety of acts he brings to his stage. "I want everyone to realize that they can decide what good music means to them, rather than let the record companies dictate what's played over the airwaves," he said. "This is a very conservative area and I'm advocating a lifestyle that's more open minded, accepting and diverse."
Jones, built his dream from the ground up. The entrance alone would make any hobbit proud. Enter through the huge wooden Middle Earth doors, go downstairs and enter into a world of serious whimsy. The panels that surround the room are from wood Jones acquired during his woodworking days, and much of the décor was created by local craftspeople, including the "fieldstone fireplace." The "trees" lining the room's perimeter were created by a local sculptor, and the "stained glass" windows were designed and executed by a local artist using fiber reactive dyes painted onto silk.
Although the building and design of the room was done by local craftspeople, it's his partner, Susan Monica that Jones credits most. "She's the brains behind this whole venture. She keeps me in the box and keeps my creative juices under control. Without her, this would never have happened."
Jones has built relationships with hundreds of agents and laughingly said "I can get whoever I want provided I can afford them."
"I knew I was a bona fide music venue when Tempest from San Francisco played here, and had Middle Earth's name on their tour shirts," he said. For ticket and schedule information visit the web site at www.middle-earth-music.com, or call (802) 222-4748.
- Marianne L. Kelly for Vermont Living Magazine
Vermont Bars Nightclubs & Live Entertainment by region
Enter through the huge wooden Middle Earth doors, go downstairs and enter into a world of serious whimsy. The panels that surround the room are from wood Jones acquired during his woodworking days, and much of the décor was created by local craftspeople, including the "fieldstone fireplace." The "trees" lining the room's perimeter were created by a local sculptor, and the "stained glass" windows were designed and executed by a local artist using fiber reactive dyes painted onto silk.
© 2012 
