Since December, Portsmouth’s Muddy River Smokehouse, long known as a local music hot spot, has been under new ownership. If you’ve seen any live shows between January and July, you can thank the previous owners, who had many of the bands under contract. That era has ended, and live performances are now on hold.

“It’s more of a transition,” says Gerri Schena, one of the new owners. “We’re open to all forms of entertainment. Since taking over, we’re gradually looking over all areas of the restaurant—the kitchen, the dining area, and (the bar and stage) downstairs. We want a new feel, and want to try new avenues for entertainment.”

Chris Soucy, Muddy River manager, has been in charge of booking many of the acts over the years.

“I’m disappointed,” he says. “It’s been a big part of the restaurant, a good room with a lot of good bands, and it’s sad to see that part of it go. The local music community helped a lot with the success of the room. Local bands really enjoyed playing, from new bands happy to get a foot in the door to a lot who have been playing for years. There aren’t a lot of venues around here with their own PA system and the capacity we have.”

Michael Phillips, who until recently booked a weekly series called “The Spark,” was also upset with the decision. 

“Everyone, including (sound technician) Mike Marchand and Chris Soucy, was supporting the bands and the venue by coming out regularly and made those nights what they were, which was fun. Everything was great up until January 2006, when the new owners were in charge of the Newberry Room. The Dover Brick House invited me to come back right when I was ready to jump a sinking ship, so that’s where I am now,” Phillips says. He describes his new “Hot Poop” series as “just ridiculous and memorable and fun, just like ‘The Spark’ was.”

Still, there’s no telling for sure what the future holds. Soucy is cautiously optimistic. “Right now we’re not shutting our doors forever. We’ll be doing private functions, and we’re keeping the PA system,” he says. “(More music) is always a possibility in the future.”