At Tim and Terry’s music was free, a sandwich and beer were under $5 and college students and Gainesville locals alike came to let loose.
But after 13 years as a haven for Gainesville musicians and music lovers, the bar and music store one block north of University Avenue shut its doors at the end of November.
“I feel we’ve made a big difference in the music scene,” said co-owner Stephanie Parks. She and her husband, Terry, owned the business but had to close it due to an illness that left Stephanie with too little time to run it in the ailing economy.
Known as “The Purple House” for its distinctive purple hue, Tim and Terry’s Music & More was originally opened in May 1997 as a convenience store and guitar shop. Slowly it evolved into a bar where local musicians played every day of the week, for free.
Thursdays were jazz nights, Fridays and Saturdays had local bands and the rest of the week was open mic nights.
“We offered all kinds of different music genres,” said Stephanie, who was in charge of booking all the shows.
Music was played everywhere at the house, including on the porch. Musicians came together to play the banjo, fiddle and drums, among others instruments.
“It was quite fantastic,” Stephanie said.
The house attracted a mixture of Gainesville residents and students. There was even a class taught in the backyard once.
“I have really fond memories of it,” said Terry, who also owns a convenience and music store called Park’s Place, at 120 NW 39th Ave. “It was kind of a hobby for me.”
The business was even visited by famous musicians. A band member from Kiss and another from Motley Crue played music there. Gainesville natives Sister Hazel also made an appearance, signing chairs and drumheads
However, in the last year or so business just dropped, Stephanie said.
The Parks still own the building, and don’t plan on selling it unless a big enough offer comes up.
Tuna Colada, a local singer-songwriter, played at Tim and Terry’s once a month and also enjoyed hanging out there.
“I’m very sad. It was a good venue,” said Colada. “Everybody who went there felt like they were a part of it.”
He said he’ll remember the receptive crowds, cheap beer and the porch, which was a “good place to sit and watch the world go by.”
