In January Peter Hamelin, one of The Stone Church’s three owners, will board a plane for New Orleans before heading to India for an extensive, open-ended trip. Hamelin’s latest journey marks the beginning of a new chapter in his personal life and the ending of a chapter in the revered music club’s history.

“I’m transitioning out of the daily operations into more of a consultant role,” said Hamelin in a phone interview.

Hamelin and two business partners purchased the Newmarket music club just over three years ago. He, John Pasquale and Paul Nessel renovated the building extensively and added a restaurant. For the last year and a half, Hamelin has been responsible for booking the notable nationally and regionally touring artists who have performed there three to five nights a week since the venue’s reopening.
“I’m keeping a percentage of the real estate,” he said, “but I won’t be part of the daily operations.”

Hamelin said the departure isn’t due to any sort of falling out with his partners. Rather, he said, it’s just time.

“Owning a music club, bar and restaurant was never a goal of mine, but the opportunity presented itself,” Hamelin said. “What other person can go and look forward to their job, to the music that’s playing? That’s something I’ll miss the most—being able to go to work and see my favorite bands. It’s been amazing, but I want to travel.”

After spending a week or so in New Orleans where he’ll be working with an organization called Acron to help demolish homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina, he’ll hop a plane to New York City before taking off yet again on Jan. 12 for a sojourn to India. He purchased a one-way ticket so as to avoid putting a time limit on the experience.

Hamelin, 36, began studying at the Aryaloka Buddhist Center in Newmarket in October 2005.
“I’ve gotten pretty deeply into the Buddhist philosophy and way of life,” he said. “So, that area intrigues me. The Buddha is from India, and there’s a lot of related culture and history there. Also, I want to get into the Himalayas and do some trekking!”

Hamelin insisted it’s not a bittersweet departure. Instead, he’s more philosophical about leaving.
“The way I look at life is, it’s a series of experiences, and this is just one of the many great experiences I’ve had. I feel good about where The Stone Church is at, and I’m really excited that (my partners) John and Paul, who have been working with me side by side, will be taking over my responsibilities.”

“When we started this three years ago there was a lot against us,” he said. “Now, people from this area are coming out to support that, and driving to Newmarket to do it!”