Kenny Lumpkin, left, owner of parent company Power Entertainment LLC, requested a continuance of the License Commission hearing regarding the future of Dewey’s Jazz Bar.
Reminder Publishing file photo
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Board of License Commission reconvened on Oct. 22 to discuss the future of Dewey’s Jazz Bar.
Kenny Lumpkin, owner of parent company Power Entertainment LLC, sent an email requesting a continuance ahead of the scheduled informational hearing as his attorney wasn’t available during the hearing.
Lumpkin said during the Zoom call that he was still working on securing a new location.
“I think it’s getting a little ridiculous now,” said Rosa Espinosa, chair of the Springfield License Commission, expressing concerns regarding the lack of updates regarding the jazz bar. The latest update came several months prior, mentioning a Boston Road location that was finalizing, though nothing further was reported. “We have been waiting to find out what the next step is going to be,” she added.
Lumpkin said he was in the process of finalizing materials related to the location transfer, as well as building out the timeline for the new location. He added during the last hearing that they were in the final stages of securing a lease and that the proposed Boston Road deal fell through. He went on further to state that the company secured a new location at 31 Elm St. but he can’t sign the lease as is.
“We don’t want to sign the lease because the moment we sign that lease, our time starts ticking,” Lumpkin clarified, referencing the logistical concerns in rebuilding the jazz bar. Dewey’s Jazz Bar closed five months ago due to issues securing a commercial license, a process that Lumpkin admitted isn’t the quickest to correct when looking for a seven to 10 year commercial lease deal.
“I don’t want to give a timeline and then I don’t hold to it,” he replied when pressed for a timeline by attorney Alesia Days. “I don’t want to inconvenience you guys. If you believe it is ridiculous, we can just let the license lapse and I will apply again if it causes anyone harm.”
“November is right around the corner,” stressed Espinoza, highlighting that the renewal date was rapidly approaching. New licensing begins around Jan. 1, which would require Lumpkin to reapply should he allow his existing license to expire.
“He’s been a good person in our city,” said John Ramirez, a commissioner who defended Lumpkin. “I would like to give him just a little latitude, not too long, and just give him the benefit of the doubt.” Ramirez agreed with Espionza’s proposed month and a half extension to the proceedings, which all parties found fair and reasonable. Lumpkin agreed with the extended deadline, stating that if he had any updates prior to the next scheduled hearing he would provide them via email.
“Because it’s not 100% in my hands, I can’t give a timeline,” he reiterated. The follow up hearing will be a section 77 hearing, in which the commission will be able to rule on whether or not to terminate the license. For now, the future of Dewey’s Jazz Bar remains uncertain.
