YBOR CITY, Fla. — Friday, July 31, marks the end of an era for a piece of Tampa’s live music scene.
The Crowbar, the last, independently owned, full-time music venue in Ybor City, is closing its doors after one final sold-out show. Over the past two decades, it’s launched local talent, hosted nationally known artists like Chappell Roan and Kenny Chesney, and became a staple for music fans across Tampa Bay.
Owner Tom DeGeorge points to the financial hit from the Covid-19 pandemic and increasing competition from large entertainment companies moving into the market as a reason for closing. He says, in the end, it became too difficult for an independent venue to keep up…