Southgate House continues nurturing local music scene

For decades, Newport mansion has been stage for diverse bill of area and national acts.

File photo The Southgate House is located in Newport, Ky. near Newport on the Levee.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By James Sprague, Contributing Writer 10:41 AM Wednesday, October 12, 2011

NEWPORT, Ky. — In an area long known for its musical history — with King Records, the Isley Brothers, the Afghan Whigs and Brady Seals coming to mind among others — there is a hidden gem adding its own flair to the Greater Cincinnati music scene.

The Southgate House, located in Newport, Ky., has been contributing to that 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 — built around 1814 by former Kentucky state representative Richard Southgate — reputedly hosted President Abraham Lincoln as a guest in 1856 and 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.

“There’s still a significant ‘mansion’ appearance to the building and patrons can feel the history as they move throughout the building,” said Bill Furbee, marketing manager for Southgate House. “We’re a four-level historic mansion with various rooms that offer different experiences: an intimate Juney’s Lounge with free Folk, Country, Roots and Blues performances on a nightly basis, an upstairs Parlour that’s suited best for local rock shows, an art gallery on the fourth floor and a huge Ballroom that regularly hosts touring acts of all types.”

The diverse music which is 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.

“The Southgate House is home to independent music of all types and we prided ourselves on maintaining a versatile building that hosts the region’s best, most diverse and most eclectic entertainment schedule,” Furbee said.

It is not just national acts Southgate House supports, however. The venue has also been one of the region’s staunchest advocates for local musicians, Furbee said.

“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.”

Contact this writer at spragoo1977@yahoo.com.