The Crossroads Nightclub and Restaurant Entertainment Complex in Bladensburg, which was suddenly closed for “maintenance” last December, has again run into mysterious problems.  Since at least last Thursday, the nightclub has been closed, and the restaurant has been only open for Sunday brunch and for carryout food service on weekdays. No alcohol is being served at any time. On Sunday I spoke with Frank Clark, Crossroads’s manager, who said the nightclub is again closed for “maintenance” and that the establishment would let people know when it’s open again.  He said I could send additional questions via e-mail to owner Alton Gayle. As of this posting, Gayle has not responded to any questions. He also did not respond to requests to discuss his club’s status back in December.

As I noted then, the closing of the Crossroads (even on a temporary basis),  along with the prior shutdown of Zanzibar as part of redevelopment of the Southwest waterfront, means the Washington area is currently without the two large nightclubs that offered a mix of Caribbean and African-American DJed sounds, as well as live music.  Both establishments also marketed their events on radio and in the print and electronic media.  Now fans of reggae and soca sounds will have to seek out less publicized events at smaller clubs and halls. The Surf Club has recently started reggae Wednesdays. Last Friday, Jamaican performer Anthony B. appeared in a barely advertised gig at the less-known Club 12 on H Street NE.  When we hear more about the status of the Crossroads and interesting Caribbean events elsewhere, we’ll let you know.