Since yesterday my inbox has been filling with testimonials from patrons of the Green Door Music Hall of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Yesterday afternoon, my old friend and Green Door co-owner Larry Hill contacted me explaining the situation: the beloved venue that musicians and artists considered home could close if $10,000 was not raised within the week.
The Green Door team of Rich & Cheryl and Larry Hill got hit with a series of misfortunes including the rainout of a recent festival which could have supplied the much needed revenue to fund the venue’s liabilities. With no more savings to tap or money to borrow, there was no other choice but to start a campaign via GoFundMe.com. At the time of this writing, $1236 has been raised of the required $10,000.
While I’ve never set foot in the Green Door, I feel like I know the place you all speak and write so fondly of. This is partially due to knowing Larry from the Bangkok music scene (Stone Free Fest and Larry’s tent should be left for another time w/o a crisis) and because you, the patrons, fans, bands, and artists believe the Green Door so perfectly embodies an artistic community.
You are my eyes and my ears for the Green Door. You have breathed life into what was yesterday just a name without a face. No matter how many times I see a picture, I still wouldn’t know what it feels like to be there. Ya’ll filled in the blanks. Thank you. - DC
In Your Own Words: Green Door Artists Reflect
It's a smile. It's a hug.
It's the Soundguy making you feel comfortable when you're nervous as hell.
It's the Bartender sending you water to the stage when you're thirsty and decribing beers in detail so you get something you like.
It's the videographer videoing your set and posting it on YouTube for you when you didn't even ask him to. Or taking your pictures and editing them for you so you look even cooler.
It's the Promoter that constantly messages you and not only asks if you want to play but sometimes just to check on you.
Its the Owner who stays for every set and hangs out afterwards just to talk shop and shoot the shit and invite you back." - Nicky Tyree