Sanctuary Concerts: Terrific Morris County Music Venue Ends It's Run

Published on August 30, 2017

CHATHAM TOWNSHIP CHURCH WAS SITE FOR MANY GREAT ACTS

The Sanctuary Concerts, a long-time Morris County venue for folk, jazz, pop and eclectic music, and which brought many big name and extremely talented performers to a small church venue in Chatham Township, has ended its run.

(JPG, 73KB) Sanctuary Concerts favorites Red Molly singing, with a full house behind them

Shows by the likes of Al Stewart, John Prine, Dave Mason, Ruthie Foster, Southside Johnny, Felix Cavalieri, Richie Havens, John Sebastian and many others at the Presbyterian Church on Southern Boulevard will be no more.

(JPG, 6KB) Al Stewart

In a poignant note to its loyal followers, who routinely filled the church for the shows, organizers wished Sanctuary Concerts fans a farewell:

"With considerable regret and many fond memories, we have decided that The Sanctuary Concerts will be ending its 16-year run.

"As many of you know, our presenter, Mike Del Vecchio, has been battling serious health issues since last year. The many roles of a presenter €“ booking, presenting, producing, administering, and schmoozing €“ are just no longer possible for him, even

(JPG, 39KB) Joan Osborne

with the enormous help of the Sanctuary volunteer staff.

"We hope that, like us, you will always remember the fun and the spirit of The Sanctuary €” the swanky seats, the Ice Cream Fairy, the $1 CD Sale, the kitchen concerts, and the hundreds of incredible Sanctuary performers including:

Arlo Guthrie
Judy Collins
Nick Lowe
Roger McGuinn
Suzanne Vega
Marc Cohn
Rosanne Cash
Josh Ritter
The Roches
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

"Wasn't that a time?

"Our greatest regret is that we will not be seeing you for our regular Saturday-night gatherings of folk music and friendship. Thank you all for you enthusiasm, loyalty, and support. Together, we created something extraordinary. Art ain't eternal, but our memories will be.''

Sanctuary Concerts

For more on the Sanctuary Concerts, visit Morristowngreen.com

(JPG, 197KB) Roger McGuinn