Hi-Tone Cafe will close its doors | News

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) – The Hi-Tone Café will close its doors in Midtown Memphis.

The popular music venue has welcomed musical acts since 1998. The venue has also long served as a home base for annual events such as Gonerfest and Rock for Love.

On Monday, owner Jonathan Kiersky confirmed that the Hi-Tone will close its doors in February 2013.

But closing the doors does not mean the end for the Hi-Tone name.

"We will still be throwing shows around town at different venues, both big and small, in midtown and downtown," Kiersky said on the Hi-Tone Facebook page.

Kiersky sighted a combination of reasons for the cafe's closure, including sagging attendance, rising booking costs, and issues with the building.

Like the music, the building has a colorful history and will be missed by many, who have been expressing their grief via social media networks.

"Very sad news. First time setting foot in the Hi-Tone and it was to rock out with the Melvins. Best night of my life. Period," said Wes Caffee on Facebook.

Hi-Tone's website shows the venue booked throughout the holiday season with local and national indie musicians.

A final blow-out concert will be held at the Hi-Tone Café before it closes its doors for good on February 28.

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