This is not good news for music lovers or for the revitalization of the City. WCL at the Queen will close its doors on May 25. The reason? They just couldn’t make a financial go of it. From the announcement e-mail:
On Tuesday afternoon we will be officially announcing that World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington, DE will close its doors on May 25, 2017. Please excuse this group email, but I wanted you to hear this disappointing news directly from me.
It was about 10 years ago when I first visited “her majesty.” That was before the Great Recession. The optimism of those times convinced everyone involved, including me, that Wilmington’s time had come for a long overdue renaissance after years of decay, especially the blighted wreck that was lower Market Street. When I think about how lower Market Street looked and felt 10 years ago vs. today, it’s hard to believe it’s the same place. However, even though lots has improved physically on much of Market Street, the revitalization has just not been strong enough and fast enough to support our robust 7-day/week WCL model. So, while I’m certainly noquitter, you really do have to “know when to fold.”
I’ve seen so many great concerts at the Queen, and especially enjoyed the upstairs shows of lesser-known, but high quality performers.
I am very sorry to lose this cultural treasure and place to gather and enjoy great music.