Remembering Nectar's: A Tribute to the Legendary Burlington Venue
Nectar Rorris, a Greek immigrant who founded Nectar’s in Vermont in 1975, never expected the venue to become synonymous with the band Phish. Phish, in turn, credits Nectar’s for their early success, providing them with a platform to experiment in the early '80s. Despite its rich history of fostering a diverse community of artists, Nectar’s has closed its doors after facing challenges affecting downtown Burlington and the live music scene. The closure has sparked an outpouring of tributes from musicians, former employees, and fans.
Nectar’s holds a special place in Phish lore, with the band even naming their 1992 record “A Picture of Nectar” as a tribute to the venue and its founder, Nectar Rorris. The venue played a pivotal role in Phish’s journey, giving them a residency for nearly two years. Over the years, Nectar’s has hosted a wide range of artists, including Grace Potter, B.B. King, and the Decemberists, and featured regular music series like Metal Mondays and Dead Set Tuesdays.
Despite changing ownership and management, Nectar’s remained a hub for discovering new music and supporting emerging artists. The venue provided residency opportunities for bands to build a fan base and grow their careers. However, rising costs and downtown construction led to a decline in foot traffic, ultimately contributing to the venue’s closure. The future of Nectar’s remains uncertain, but its legacy as a legendary music venue is undeniable.
As Nectar’s closes its doors after a remarkable 50-year run, those involved in its history are reflecting on its impact and legacy. The closure marks the end of an era for the iconic Burlington venue, but also signals a new chapter in the evolving music scene. Despite the challenges faced by Nectar’s, its role in shaping the local music community and providing a platform for artists to thrive will be remembered for years to come.