It is with great and deep sadness that I post the below press release concerning the end of Rick's Cafe. Rick Tvedt and Rick's Cafe has been an inspiration to all who love and appreciate local music. The amount of good that Rick has been able to do for the Madison music scene in the last four years is remarkable. I admire and respect the man and the publication more than words can express.
Thank you to Rick and all of the writers, editors, and photographers that have worked over the years to produce this fine piece of journalism. It is a piece of Madison that will always be remembered and treasured.
Quoted Copy of Press Release:
January 23, 2007
It is with great sadness that I announce that as of today, I am ceasing
operation of Rick’s Café.
Declining revenues and uncollectible accounts have put me in a position
where I can no longer afford to produce a printed newspaper.
The last four years and one month have been very special for me. Above
all the recognition that Rick’s Café has achieved, I will miss the
intimate conversations I have had with Madison’s artists the most;
artists whom I deeply admire and respect. It has been a true honor for
me.
The Madison community should recognize the efforts of all of our
freelance writers, distributors, photographers and designers. These
people are heroes and gave as much of themselves to promote local music
as anyone. I want to especially recognize Kate McCool, my wife and copy
editor. Her tireless work and thorough knowledge gave us credibility and
respectability. Thanks also to Tim Thompson who, as editor, brought
innovation and passion to our pages. A million thanks to all of our
advertisers for their loyalty and devotion to Madison’s music scene.
I would like everyone to know that my work with the Madison Area Music
Awards will continue. People often associate the awards with Rick’s
Café, although I’ve done my best to distance the two. I can assure
everyone that this year’s MAMAs will be the best yet. I hope that you
can, in some way, influence others to find out about us and help us keep
music alive for our kids by becoming members. That way, someone else can
come along and write about the continuing abundance of heart and talent
that we are blessed with here in Madison.
My best to all,
Rick Tvedt
