For more than two decades, Buddha Live was a staple in the Fort Myers local music scene. The venue's stage is now silent, and the doors are closed for good.
Buddha Live, located at 12701 McGregor Blvd., announced its immediate closure due to severe infrastructure issues, including a collapsing roof, sewer problems and a failed air conditioning system. The owners said they tried to work with the landlord but couldn't afford to fix a building they do not own.
"What may be in the future, there could be a new owner that comes in, revamps the entire place, and they continue with what they were doing before, or maybe something new," said Jason Ingream, owner of Mango Rita Rhythm Room.
The music scene in Fort Myers will continue, as Mango Rita's Rhythm House is stepping in to carry on the Buddha Live concert series. Located just 10 minutes south of Buddha Live, Mango Rita's is ready to take on the responsibility.
"They asked us if we would be interested in it, and we told them we would be up for the challenge," said Ingream.
Ingream mentioned they are working quickly to prepare for the additional artists and expected crowds, and they hope to accommodate every show that was booked.
"It will be new here, but it's not new to us," said Ingream. "We had other locations up north and have national bands you would hear on the radio, so it's not new to us, but it's new to our venue series."
Mango Rita's, located on U.S. 41 S, near the Forest County Club Golf course, is not just taking over a concert series but embracing a legacy.