The day that music died: landlord to kill free music at Third Place Books

The Gothard Sisters were one of many free acts at Third Place Commons

Third Place Books / Third Place Commons is renown for its Friday and Saturday night free music events - an eclectic mix of dance and performance music which brought diners, dancers, and shoppers to Lake Forest Park Town Center.

The mall is owned and managed by Madison Marquette. According to a letter sent to musicians by Third Place Managing Partner Robert Sindelar, there is a new lease, beginning May 1, 2013.

"Third Place Books is no longer in charge of the Commons. Madison Marquette, who will control the Commons moving forward, has indicated that beginning in June they do not plan to continue the Friday and Saturday night music program."

Sindelar struck a hopeful note, 

"This does not mean that a music program will never come back to the Commons stage. This is a transition period. The non-profit group, Friends of Third Place Commons, is still as active as ever in the Commons and might be able to work with Madison Marquette to find some kind of program to bring back to the Commons stage in the future."

Madison Marquette has been contacted for a comment on their future plans.