Chad Carey opens up about White Rabbit sale

Here’s a look at some of the notable acts that have blasted the stage off N. St. Mary’s Street. Here’s a look at some of the notable acts that have blasted the stage off N. St. Mary’s Street. Photo: . Photo: . Image 1 of / 42 Caption Close Chad Carey opens up about White Rabbit sale 1 / 42 Back to Gallery

We spoke to Chad Carey on Friday, who clarified his reluctance to speak last week when he confirmed he leads an ownership group that is under contract to purchase the popular club The White Rabbit.

Carey could not give any details regarding the sale, but did note two changes: renovations and a likely name change.

He said the name is "probably" going to change, citing the legacy of the venue's current owners Rick and Rhonda Sciaraffa and Rick's son, Rick Sciaraffa Jr., who started the White Rabbit in 1996 and managed it until his death in 2007. Carey noted the controversy surrounding the new TacoLand, which drew a negative response from regulars of the former Taco Land.

In a statement, Carey said:

"Our collective reticence to talk about this transaction makes it seem secretive, or that there's some nefarious scheming going on. That's not the case at all. We haven't closed the real estate transaction yet, but will do so in the next six weeks. But until the closing date was finalized, we didn't want to make a formal announcement. But given the attention surrounding the sale, we thought it was important to say something.

"Yes, the Property where the White Rabbit is located is being sold," Carey said. "Yes, every single show that has been booked there can stay there (Rhonda Sciaraffa made sure the transaction was subject to honoring every commitment the club has made). Yes, I have every intention of continuing to operate the property as a live music venue. No, I don't know what the exact timing looks like for the improvements we have planned, or what the updated version of the club will look like, or whether or not we can convince Diarrhea Planet and Slayer to play a double-bill for our first show."

The collective response to news that the venue will be sold showed a passion for the club that has hosted up-and-coming acts such as The Black Crowes, Toadies and Blink-182 since it opened in 1996.

On Wednesday, booking company Twin Productions removed its shows from the White Rabbit, citing a lack of communication between the club's owners and the company.

The White Rabbit is still open, with local band The Taking headlining a show on Saturday.

lchan@express-news.net