A few weeks ago we reported that the Somerville Licensing Commission was looking to revoke or redistribute Radio’s liquor license, painting a grim future for the shuttered Somerville rock club. Now, Jed Gottlieb of the Boston Herald is reporting that a trio from the Boston music scene — band manager Crystal Margolis and OldJack’s Dan Nicklin, and Joe Chehade of the Life Electric — have taken steps to re-brand and re-open the live music venue just outside Union Square. The trio is working with both the city and the former owners to put live music back in the two-floor space that was once called Radio.
Here’s a snippet of Gottlieb’s article:
“It’s a very convoluted situation. There are lawyers involved, so that means there’s a lot to sign and a lot to disagree on,” Chehade said. “But this is happening. Things are moving forward.”
The Somerville Licensing Commission has given Chehade three weeks to buy the place from the current owners, Aimee McGrath and Josh Banville, if he wants to keep the liquor license.
Chehade has completed a walkthrough and says he is confident he will meet the city’s deadline. Chehade will be sole owner; Margolis will be the club’s operations manager and Nicklin will be part of the management team.
“Joe has been looking for a live music place to be a part of, and Dan and I helped him realize this was the right place and right time,” Margolis said. “The whole Union Square area is on the verge of something amazing. We want to be part of that.”
The trio tells the Herald they want to respect the legacy of the two-year-old rock club, but will make certain changes to the aesthetic and layout, including the location of the stage.
Radio closed back in November after an electrical fire set off a sprinkler system and caused severe water damage.