The historic Grand Theatre in downtown Salem will remain closed for the foreseeable future after its management company, To the Ceiling Entertainment, announced it is dissolving and liquidating assets to satisfy creditors. The decision follows accusations on social media that the firm owed performers money for recent shows.
Owners abandon bankruptcy plan
Andrew and Alex Hussey, who began managing the three‑story, 400‑seat venue in 2024, told the Salem Reporter that the business will not pursue bankruptcy because there are insufficient assets to cover the costs of a proceeding. “The business has decided not to file for bankruptcy. There are not enough assets to justify the expense of a bankruptcy proceeding,” Alex Hussey wrote in an email. The Oregon Secretary of State records show the company was formally dissolved on Sept. 3.
Creditor repayment prioritized
Hussey said the company will repay creditors in the order required by Oregon law and that any remaining unpaid balances will be due to exhausted assets. He did not disclose the total amount of debt owed, but local and national acts have claimed they are owed anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $27,000. Co‑owner Joe Meduri also reported that the Hussey brothers owe more than $100,000 in unpaid rent.
New venues fill the gap
Booking agent Travis Sherer, co‑owner of Seattle‑based Cozy Comedy, acted swiftly after the shutdown. Within days he secured the Elsinore Theatre—just a block from the Grand—to host stand‑up comedian Gary Gulman’s Oct. 12 show. The Elsinore honored all existing ticket sales, ensuring fans would not have to pay twice. “As the theater, I wanted to make sure that we’re not asking people to pay for something twice,” Elsinore booking manager Zane Kitsner said.
Sherer reported that his company incurred roughly $10,000 in deposits and other costs while searching for alternatives, an amount he estimates represents about 15‑20% of the former company’s annual earnings.
Local acts find homes
The Elsinore also agreed to host The Denton Delinquents, a Vancouver‑based troupe presenting a live‑shadow cast of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 17. Meanwhile, Salem musician and trivia host Ronan Baker moved his two‑year project “Ghost Light” to Venture Hall, a new multi‑theater arts hub opening Oct. 16 in the former Cinebarre space.
Blast Off Vintage, a downtown clothing store that regularly hosts all‑ages concerts, stepped in to accommodate several local bands whose shows were displaced. Co‑owner Kati Geisler said the store welcomed the opportunity to support the community, noting that “the kids really, really need the music, and it’s important for the community.”
Future of the Grand Theatre
Joe Meduri, co‑owner of the Grand Theatre property, confirmed that the Meduri family is actively seeking new management. “We are continuing to pursue other booking management solutions and hope to have Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre open for events in the near future,” he told the reporter. No timeline was provided.
For now, the Grand’s marquee remains dark, but the rapid response of local promoters and venues demonstrates Salem’s resilient arts community and its commitment to keeping live entertainment accessible for families and faith‑centered audiences alike.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
