OAKLAND—On Saturday, September 5, The Uptown, a nightclub in Oakland, announced to close the site due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to owners’, Robbin Green-Yeh & Ray Yeh, the company posted messages on their website and Facebook pages. The Uptown has been struggling with financial difficulties in the past few years, and COVID-19 has impacted their business.

The announcement reads:

“Dear Uptown Community, It is with deep sadness that we announce that The Uptown Nightclub will not be reopening. With no date in sight when live entertainment will be safe, we just cannot afford to continue to pay our rent and other expenses with no income in the foreseeable future. This was a heartbreaking decision and one we put off as long as we possibly could. The Uptown was never a financial investment for us – it was always a labor of love and the dividends it paid are measured in the wonderful friendships that sprung from the shared love of music….In the six months that our doors have been closed due to the pandemic, we have missed you all so much!”

The Uptown is located in 1928 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland. It is famous for its 30-foot Historic Mahogany Bar and a Live Room equipped with full A-V capabilities and a meticulously tuned sound system. The establishment has held many DJ events, rock concerts, parties, weddings, karaoke throw downs, and fundraisers to entertain their guests. It has also served selected local alcoholic drinks.

“So many talented people have played our stage and so many amazing patrons have been there to enjoy them. It was an honor to make these connections possible. We strived to represent and welcome the diversity of the Bay Area. In that we succeeded and we will be forever proud of this accomplishment. Thank You All for being a part of our lives,” said owners Robbin Green-Yeh and Ray Yeh.