Nectar Rorris, an 86-year-old Greek immigrant who opened Nectar's in Burlington, Vermont, 50 years ago, never imagined his restaurant and music club would become synonymous with the jam band Phish. He credits the band with giving Nectar's a national spotlight, making it a destination for local and traveling musicians alike. 'Phish made Nectar's,' Rorris said.
Phish, in turn, credits Rorris with their early success, providing them a stage to experiment on in the early '80s. The band's 1992 album 'A Picture of Nectar' was a tribute to the venue and Rorris, who gave the fledgling band a residency for nearly two years. Phish bassist Mike Gordon, who still lives in the area, occasionally performed at Nectar's, including a surprise appearance last September.
Despite negotiations to keep the music going, Nectar's closed its doors in June, citing 'immense challenges' affecting downtown Burlington and the local live music scene. The announcement drew hundreds of tributes from musicians, former employees, and fans. Chris Farnsworth, who covers Burlington's music scene for Seven Days, noted that Nectar's 'holds a very important place' in Phish lore.
Nectar's also hosted artists like Grace Potter, B.B. King, and the Decemberists, and was known for regular music series including Metal Mondays and Sunday Night Mass. The venue supported emerging artists with residency opportunities. However, rising costs and construction in downtown Burlington reduced foot traffic, leading to its closure.
Justin Remillard, who booked artists for Nectar's electronic music series for 25 years, said, 'Fifty years is an amazing run for a nightclub. The only constant is change, and what has happened with Nectar's and the building closing, we have to figure out what's next.'
