Nathan Hoskins | The Register-Herald
NEW PARIS — The New Paris Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Jamboree Music Hall’s re-opening on Friday, March 10, which was followed by the Jamboree’s first Friday night music show with concessions and live music.
“We’re really happy, as the chamber, to welcome back the Jamboree,” said NP Chamber President Chris Reke.
“We’re here this evening to get the music nights back on Friday night. New Paris has been very quiet on our Friday nights, sadly. We haven’t had music. So, we’re really glad to see the light of New Paris come back and we welcome this institution back into our lives,” he added.
Owners Lonnie and Ginni Huffgarden expressed their gratitude to those who attended and showed support for the re-opening.
“Most people know the history, but the building was built in 1837. Benjamin Hanby was here, wrote ‘Up on the Housetop’ so it’s got some history. There’s been some big players play here before,” said Lonnie Huffgarden.
According to Lonnie, the Covid-19 pandemic took a toll on the business, but through the support of the community and the New Paris Chamber, the music hall is being revived. “Once you hear our shows, and see what we do, you might be surprised at what you might see.”
The New Paris Chamber of Commerce also donated funds to pay for the first 30 patrons on opening night, presenting the owners the check following the ribbon cutting.
“To help out, we are donating admission costs to the first 30 people through the doors tonight,” Reke said. “The first 30 people tonight, we’re going to take care of that, because we really want to put our money where our mouth is in helping business here in New Paris.”
“Their Friday night music shows are a big part of their uniqueness; we look forward to hearing them play here again,” concluded Reke.
Reach Nathan Hoskins at 937-683-4057.
