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Hey, this is Ben - as many of you have heard the live music program at Breakaway is over. Our landlord and a few tenants above us have teamed up to ensure that we are no longer allowed to host metal and punk shows. They don't see the importance of our music community and I don't expect them to ever understand. 

 

I've offered to find a compromise but they won't budge. Unfortunately continuing to host shows puts our lease at risk, which includes the livelihood of my employees and my life savings. 

 

I am so thankful and moved by what we have built together. Hosting these shows has really felt like my purpose in life. I have had a hole in my heart since June and I am sorry to any musician that I promised to help out. 

 

Dover is my hometown and I hope to continue to use the privilege of my career to help keep it weird and unique. They can't stop us from serving breakfast sandwiches while promoting art and culture. Historically the seacoast has been a regional hub for alternative art, and unfortunately we are seeing it become unaffordable condos and soulless corporate complexes with no end in sight. I want my next projects to help slow this inevitability. 

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That being said all things must move forward. I am looking for new venues and spaces interested in hosting us. Please show up Aug 21st to the Dance Hall of Kittery, let's show them what we have built at Breakaway. I also have a show 9/20 that will be held at a secret spot in Dover. 

 

Venues come and go, I'm honored to have been a small part of the rich history of this area. To everyone who is bummed out and especially the kids that came out - Breakaway is a place to go if you need to find your people - but it exists in other places. Keep seeing bands, keep making music, go to new venues, go to art events, shop local. Those of us who are lost can always find each other by embracing art. 

 

Special thanks to my team - Jeremy, Mark, David, Chad, Teagan and Kyle. The memories we made will always be special. 

 

Thanks again for everything 

Ben 

Owner/Promoter 

Breakaway Cafe