Doors to remain open at Stone Church: New owners ensure the music plays on at storied venue
| By Ryan Alan Contributing writer |
Article Date: Thursday, September 25, 2008
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Of all the storied performances through the years at the Seacoast's beloved venue, it could be argued that the most important one took place earlier this month.
It was delivered a cappella style by the auctioneer who cried out at the Sept 12 foreclosure auction, "You bought it!" to bidders Scott Orlosk and Adam Schroadter. The crowd, knowing the men's intention to keep the building a concert venue, cheered and clapped as if one of the world famous entertainers who have graced the stage in the past had just walked out for an encore.
More than an encore, the transaction — $195,000, plus $16,762 in back taxes — represents a new chapter in the long history of the Church, bringing some of the best and brightest of the music world to the Seacoast's backyard and potential positive economic news along with it.
"It's more than just a building, it's an important part of the New Hampshire Seacoast," said Orlosk, whose primary residence is in Londonderry, N.H., but who also has a house on Salisbury Beach from which he works in summers.
He had been president and chief operating officer of AutoFair Automotive Group in he Manchester, N.H. Since selling his interests in 2006, he has been consulting and, he said, "trying to be patient." He recently started acquiring properties. "I've not worked in music or entertainment before, but it looks like I will soon," he added. "We'll definitely have professional management in there." At press time, no decision had been made as to who that team would be and future shows were on hold until that announcement comes.
"We appreciate the hard work the former owners put in, and if they can play a role in the new effort, that would be great," Orlosk said.
"We are pleased that Scott and Adam purchased the Church in the interest of preserving the Stone Church Music Club. I think it will be a significant benefit to local entertainment life in the greater Seacoast area to have them invested in the music industry through the icon of the Stone Church," said Newmarket resident and former owner John Pasquale, president of Ragnarok Enterprises Inc., the corporation that had done business as The Stone Church. "I'm looking forward to some great music experiences up on the hill in the future!"
Schroadter, who moved to Newmarket in the spring of this year from Park City, Utah, by way of Los Angeles, was introduced to the area by his in-laws who are history professors at the University of New Hampshire. "My wife and I fell in love with the lifestyle and the location. We really feel most comfortable in Newmarket and the Seacoast," he said.
He operates Mission Investments LLC that manages a national portfolio of property investments. He previously was director of marketing for the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour. Prior to that he worked in marketing and promotions for A.E.G. at the Staples Center and for the Los Angeles Kings.
He said he and Orlosk were brought together by a group of influential and philanthropic community members in Newmarket who formed a committee called the Friends of the Stone Church. "Together we wanted to make sure that Newmarket held on to The Stone Church," he said.
Orlosk said he only had been to a few shows but "one was enough to realize that this was something special."
The local community really wanted the music to continue, he said.
"The list of greats who have played and continue to play the Stone Church is impressive," he said. There was a chance the building could have been purchased by someone with intentions other than music, he acknowledged. "The building is incredibly solid and in amazing condition. A series of quality renovations have modernized its function. The building itself is pretty sweet," he said.
Orlosk said that at no time did he and Schroadter consider using the building for anything but music. They did consider what someone else might want to do with it. "Since the building is so solid and the spaces are big, we thought (someone might think) it would make a wild residence: high ceilings, stone, the history and big spaces in a nice community might be attractive."
The new owners do plan eventually to take advantage of the building's upstairs with activities that complement the live music.
"Recording and other media production seem to make sense. Some artists have said they would love to do it. (Epping) Musician Art Murphy (of Thumbprint Productions) has also been working on the concept for a while. Music education also fits. We'll make sure we get the live music experience right before we start anything new," Orlosk said.
The future of restaurant service in the concert venue is uncertain. The owners said they would find a way to deliver what their customers want. "If they tell us they want us to do a restaurant, we'll get it done," Orlosk assured. "I'm not a restaurant guy. I know a couple of the best, and it's a hard business to do well. I've seen it done well and I wouldn't be satisfied with less. That would mean bringing in a pro. I'm okay with that."
Not only are he and Schroadter okay with continuing to showcase local musicians, along with regional and national acts, it is an important part of their game plan. "We want artists to be thrilled to play the Church," Orlosk said. "I think the local and regional musicians and national tours will love how they are treated, love the venue and speak well of us in their travels. All the greats started as locals didn't they?"
The owners said they are aware people are anxious to hear what is coming next. "We'll get it all together as quickly as we can, but we think it's smart to get it right. We'll make sure it's done well. We did what we had to do to buy The Stone Church, a much treasured music venue and cultural icon," Orlosk said. "Next, we'll put together a quality team and go from there. I hope that we'll be able to give everyone some big news in the next couple of weeks. We're excited to have found a way to save The Stone Church. It's going to be great!"
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