Over the past four years The Blockley in Philadelphia had become a regular stop for jam and funk acts passing through the City Of Brotherly Love. Sadly, those acts will need to find a new home for their Philly stops as the highly-regarded venue will close at the end of 2013.

The news comes as a shock since many 2014 performances were already on the venue’s calendar including a Break Science gig that was just announced today. According to a post on The Blockley’s Facebook page, the venue had suddenly lost its liquor license, which forced the upcoming closure. All shows through the end of December will take place as planned. Venue reps are organizing a final show for the 29th or 30th, details of which will be revealed soon as will the status of previously announced performances scheduled to be held at The Blockley in 2014.

Here’s the full text of the announcement from

The Blockley’s Facebook page

:

Hi Friends-

It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you-The Blockley will be closing its doors after 2013.

In short-we lost our liquor license, without much notice. We’ve been negotiating it, but at this point we’re forced to move the license out of the building at year’s end. The news has blindsided our staff & family here, and it derails an experience and a community that we have been so very excited to see grow and flourish here.

In a little more than 4 years, we have seen everything there is to see. Nobody on our end could have possibly expected the sort of journey that we’ve been on; it’s not been easy for one minute, but the level of talent that has hit our stage has surpassed even the wildest expectations. The disappointment that today brings, is immense. There is no small group of people out and about, Philly & beyond, who feel a real sense of connection to The Blockley; that is what has made us who we are. There have been some really special events and moments here, in a short time-and it feels like we’re losing someone too early. It’s been REALLY fun. Individually, all of us who have built this venue from the ground up will continue to work to make a mark on the Philly music scene in a variety of ways. We sincerely thank so many of you, who have been a part of our club. It’s been an unbelievable experience, and we hope this is just the beginning.

On behalf of Chris, Ned, Nick, Jedd, Tom, Jesse, Julian, Maddy, John, Onna, Gerry, Patrick, Holly, Pat, Dan & so many more-we thank you.

We have a handful of shows left-we hope to see you at one of them!

12/13-Bilal

12/14-Splintered Sunlight

12/21-Junior Marvin (of Bob Marley & The Wailers)

12/27-Splintered Sunlight

12/28-Long Miles & Spiritual Rez

12/29 or 12/30-??? TBD