Another Popular Central Maine Live Music Bar Closing For Good

Over the last few years, we have reported on far too many restaurants and bars closing their doors permanently.  The pandemic, followed by the post pandemic economy, has not been good for so many restaurants, bars, and similar entertainment venues.

Just a few weeks ago, we told you about G-Force Entertainment (AKA Kick Axe Pub & Club) closing their doors.  The combination bar, nightclub, laser tag area, axe throwing pit, arcade closed the doors of its Bangor Mall location last week.

Now, we are getting word that one of the most popular live music venues in the Augusta area is doing a series of going out of business nights as the iconic establishment prepares to close for good.

According to a recent post on the bar's Facebook page, HydeOut At The Wharf will be closing for good at the end of the month.  Their final shows will be on June 30th, but they plan a celebration of life event on July 1st.  They are calling these last events the "Turn Out The Lights" tour.

The post says, in part:

We have had many tours since owning the Wharf. One of my favorites was the stimulate your ass tour. But this new one will not be one of my favorites . We are entering June as turn out the Lights Tour. Yes we are closing end of June. We have gone thru many things, and still stood. But now is time to go. We have brought in some great music. So many musicians have graced us with their talents. I would love to thank them all. They all love the new room. But we do not get crowds. We have brought in 171 new acts since owning the Wharf, something we are very proud of

If you have lived in Central Maine for more than a minute, you probably remember that the live music venue / bar was a staple of downtown Hallowell for DECADES!  The owner explained that he was forced out of his old location at the end of 2021.  According to the KJ, the bar re-opened in the current location on Water Street in Augusta in April of 2022.

The KJ article explains that the owner has decided to close the bar after seeing business drop off following the move.

This video shows what the place looked like when it was located in Hallowell.

It is always very sad to see an iconic business close.  The HydeOut will be missed.