Photo by Beta Klein
Mickey Melchiondo (Dean Ween) has been performing at least 50 nights a year on John and Peter’s stage in the past as a member of Ween and The MoistBoyz, and now currently with the Dean Ween Group. Mickey has a great passion for the venue and what it has meant to his career musically and also as a part of his hometown community as a long time resident of New Hope, PA. Mickey said, “I couldn’t imagine this place closing down. I would be devastated. Everyone in this “community” here at John and Peter’s would be devastated if it was gone. This place has been my living room and rehearsal studio all in one place. The beauty of playing gigs here is that you don’t up and leave you get to hang out after the show and have a drink with the crowd. No barriers, just one social club.” He, along with an array of great local talent on any given “off” night, will come together for improvisational jams.
There is one night a week that consistently brings together the amazing local musicians to shine and that is Wednesday nights “Invitational.” On that night musicians who have performed for decades or who have just been welcomed to the scene come together on that very stage for all the same reasons John and Peter put it where it is in the first place, which is to offer an open door for all types of entertainment to perform be it live music, comedy, arts and craft exhibits, charity and community events, and Drag Shows featuring local legend Miss Pumpkin.
Photo by Beta Klein
The core staff has been there for many years. General Manager Patti Gabriel and longtime employee Lauren Williams both emphasized that John and Peter’s is more than just a bar, it’s history and the cast of characters that have made the place what it is both past and present is what makes it such a special place. As they both said it’s full of “family” and pictures and posters of all the great past performers on the walls from George Thorogood to Mary Chapin Carpenter to most recent greats such as Ween, Chris Harford, Mountain John and The Reverend Horton Heat to mention a few. When you walk into the dark space you can not only see the rock and roll history on the walls you can feel it. Certain venues just have that vibe and special energy to them. Long time local rock and roller and one of the John and Peter’s past bartenders Ralph Smith said,” I don’t believe in magic and stuff like that, but I’ve seen and heard some magical moments on that stage over the years.”
When asked about the secret to their success and longevity, John said, “Be nice to people, put the money in the register, and make sure you sound proof because one thing that has been a constant is noise complaints over the years. Peter and I never imagined back in the beginning that we would still be doing this for this long.” One thing John emphasized was that this journey has been one hell of a ride. He also wants to find the right person or persons to carry the torch forward. His eyes widen and he speaks very passionately about John and Peter’s going strong into the future. As all who have been impacted and been a part of John and Peters for over four decades now would agree … Losing this institution would be a sad day for all who have been a part of such a wonderful piece of not just Rock and Roll History but a piece of Americana at its finest. As Ralph Smith said, “If the joint closes its doors it will be a sad day for not just New Hope but for live music. Have you ever seen displaced bees after a hive has been destroyed or taken away? And the bees just buzz around confused because their home base is gone? That’s what it will look like if those doors close for good. It’s a part of our lives, but it happens, [long pause] … nothing lasts forever.”
Sadly, shortly after sitting down with Ralph to talk about John and Peter’s, he suddenly and shockingly passed away. He was a big part of the John and Peter’s scene for decades along with Jim Woolsey, who also passed away on August 29th, 2014. These two icons to the New Hope community and to John and Peter’s were a huge part of its legacy and their wit, charm, talents and great spirit will be dearly missed. John said with a soft voice and a smile, “Now he (Ralph) will get to hang out with Jim again. Both Ralph and Jim are dearly missed by the John and Peter’s family.”
A new event that continues to grow with each year’s new incarnation started by long time musician and New Hope music scene veteran Guy Heller (MoistBoyz) is the North by New Hope Music Festival which will take place this coming weekend, from Friday August 28th thru Sunday August 30th.
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