Murphy’s Place, the landmark Downtown Toledo jazz club, will close its doors for good following a final jam session on Tuesday night.

“Although the announcement is extremely difficult, Clifford Murphy has decided he just wants to just play music without worrying about the daily challenges of running a business,” said his daughter, Deborah Murphy in a May 30 release.

Doors will be open for a final performance on Tuesday, May 31 from 4 to 10 p.m.

Employees were notified of the closing on Saturday. The club will honor its lease agreement through mid-June but will begin vacating the premises on June 1.

“This is a great location for a music venue, and we hope a new owner might step in and give it new blood,” said Deborah Murphy.

Clifford Murphy’s longtime life partner Joan Russell managed the club’s operations until her death in January. Two of their adult children, Kevin Murphy and Deborah Murphy have run the club since then.

Murphy’s entertained jazz enthusiasts Downtown for more than 20 years – first from a location on Madison Street, and most recently at Fort Industry Square. Considered a world-class venue, visitors came here from around the world to see house favorites Clifford Murphy and pianist Claude Black, as well as touring and regional artists.

Tags: Clifford Murphy, Joan Russell, Murphy's Place Jazz Club, Music

This entry was posted on Monday, May 30th, 2011 at 12:39 pm and is filed under Arts and Life, Music.
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