The Court Tavern is back — again. Let's celebrate the enduring rock club's return with a glance at the venue's past, in photos.
NEW BRUNSWICK -- The Court Tavern is back -- again.
The enduring New Brunswick rock club, which closed in July after a downturn in sales, reopens its hallowed basement stage Friday, under new management.
This was the second time in three years the small Church Street venue opened in 1981 had closed its doors -- the business was locked for nearly a year in 2012 after falling behind on property taxes.
But with renovations planned and emerging ideas for better practices, the venue that helped launch successful careers for The Smithereens, The Gaslight Anthem and Screaming Females looks for new life, just in time for Rutgers University's fall semester.
Brittney Dixon, better known as the successful Central Jersey promoter and musician Brittney On Fire, will oversee day-to-day operations and booking. Owner Michael Barrood, who bought the building in 2012, will remain as owner. Much of the tavern's staff on the books when the venue closed in July have left the business.
"I plan to be very open about trying different tactics to keep the Court on the map including more diverse shows, incorporating all-ages shows and having a staff that truly loves and believes in the Court," Dixon told NJ.com in August. "Everyone has to give it 110% and I want the Court to represent the love and passion we have for live and local music."
MORE: A review of The Bouncing Souls at The Court Tavern in 2014
The Court relaunches Friday with what's billed as a "New Hope" show, featuring New Jersey atmospheric rockers Owel, Asbury Park's Chemtrail and GayGuy/StraightGuy, and New Brunswick's own Centennials. The upstairs bar and game room will remained closed for renovations.
A full month of local music is already scheduled for the rest of September, but before the raucous sounds officially return to the Hub City, let's take a look a some great Court Tavern photos from the last 20 years in the above slideshow. Check out The Bouncing Souls, Patti Smith, The Smithereens and more.
Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier. Find NJ.com on Facebook.