On December 10, the Crossroads Restaurant and Entertainment Complex in Bladensburg, Md. posted a message on its website stating that the club “will remain closed today Friday December 10th until further notice for ongoing maintenance.  Management apologizes for any inconvenience. We will inform you in a timely manner, when we are scheduled to reopen to resume serving you, our committed patrons.”  Crossroads owner Alton Gayle posted the same message that day on his Facebook page.

Nearly two weeks later no updated message has been posted for this large nightspot and restaurant that specializes in Caribbean and African American music and cuisine.  The dancehall reggae, soca, and R&B club may be just closed for “maintenance,” but Gayle has not yet responded to messages sent to him via Facebook and e-mail.  In addition, the club’s phone  rings without offering a recorded message or a live voice.  In 2007, the club, along with eight other Prince George’s County establishments that sell liquor, was briefly shut down by the county in an effort to address a spate of violence that included the shootings of three people in the Crossroads parking lot.  P.G. County government staffers said that the club is not currently shut down for liquor or health code violations.

Earlier this year the Caribbean, African, Latino, and African-American music nightclub Zanzibar on the Waterfront was sold and closed as part of Southwest D.C. redevelopment.  With the Crossroads closed as well for now, that means those seeking Caribbean music will have to go to smaller, less promoted clubs and one-off events at hotels and restaurants. It also means fewer international performers coming to the area.  We’ll keep you updated on the status of the Crossroads and other Caribbean music venues here.