Manchester Music Hall is scheduled to open in the former Buster’s location at 899 Manchester, in Lexington’s Distillery District, in the historic Old Tarr Distillery location.
The venue has been purchased by Pikeville’s Mitch Potter, Adam Hatton, and Ryan Schwartz, who expect to maintain it as a mid-sized music venue.
The original Buster’s Billiards and Backroom on Main Street fell to the CentrePointe wrecking ball on Main in 2009.
Its remnants were purchased by attorneys Clark and Jessica Case, and they re-opened Buster’s in the then-fledgling Distillery District. The Distillery District had been informally christened with the 2007 Beaux Arts Ball, but by 2009, the District still lacked significant investment and buy-in.
Manchester has a rich legacy in Lexington, but infrastructure was non-existent when the Cases took over the 11,000 sq. ft. former distillery on Manchester. Lexington demand for a mid-sized music venue was strong, however, and Buster’s gained popularity as shows within the first year included Blues Traveler, Matisyahu, Henry Rollins, and will.i.am.
Buster’s had a mix of highs and lows over the next five years; initially surviving the couple’s divorce, with Clark Case retaining management at Buster’s. The venue ultimately closed in December 2014 citing financial issues.
The new Manchester Music Hall is expected to be up and running this Fall, joining a more revitalized Lexington Distillery District, that will now include neighbors like Middle Fork Kitchen Bar, Ethereal Brewing, Crank and Boom ice cream, and the Break Room at Pepper.
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