Tampa Calling

Skipper’s Smokehouse co-owners Vince McGilvra (pictured left) and Tom White.

A true hero of the Tampa Bay music scene and all-around great guy, Skipper’s Smokehouse co-owner Vince McGilvra sent an email out last night just before 9 p.m. announcing he’s retiring at the end of June. He will retain his 50 percent ownership but “will no longer be active in day-to-day management.”

Taking over Vince’s marketing duties is “long time friend” Mark Warren, who also happens to be one of the Bay area’s best guitarists. I’ll miss not getting my weekly emails from Vince but am glad that he’ll have more time to simply enjoy the shows, spend time with his wife and tend to his garden. After spending 28 years building Tampa Bay’s most iconic music venue, the man has earned the right to retire. And I have complete faith that Warren will do an excellent job as his replacement.

Here’s the email Vince sent out Thursday night:

After almost 28 years at Skipper’s, I am giving up the helm as Head Mullet & retiring at the end of June. I will retain my 50% ownership, but will no longer be active in day-to-day management.

MARK WARREN, a long time friend is taking over my marketing duties. Mark is no stranger to Skipper’s having wielded his Telecaster on the stage of the Skipperdome many times; Barely Pink, Leonard Croon, THE Vodkanauts & will play on June 6 with his new project SARGE & THE AEROMEN. mark@skipperssmokehouse.com 813 977 6474 ext. 24

Over the years Skipper’s has grown into an element of the Tampa Bay community that has far exceeded our original vision and expectations. With no restaurant experience, we wanted to create a comfortable environment for customers and friends to gather and enjoy good food, music & grog. That’s part of the beauty of Skipper’s–the sense of shared ownership that many feel. For many it’s like entering a different dimension or going back to a simpler time when peace, love and music provided a common reason to come together. It’s the kind of place you can be away from for years, and when you return, it’s like coming back home.

I am thankful for the friendship and business acumen of my partner Tom White. Our relationship goes back to 1972, where we met while serving in the Air Force in Alaska.

Our decision to buy Skipper’s in 1980 has been genuinely rewarding. The friendships and experiences will last a lifetime. Most importantly, I met my wife of twenty one years, Bridget, at Skipper’s.

We couldn’t have down it without our two managers, Vicky Dodds & Bonnie O’Connor, who shared the love, vision & the work ethic to keep Skipper’s on course. It was fun growing up with our big brother WMNF, who shares our affection for community & music. Along the way we’ve become friends with the Suncoast Blues Society.[ Skipper’s was named the Best Blue Club in America in 2001 by the Blues Foundation] We’ve been able to share our music with the Parrot Heads, the Cajun Society & West Indians & many others.

Many employees, vendors & regulars have left their mark on Skipper’s & their memories have been passed down to second & third generations. From local musicians, who were instrumental in some of the early construction, to national touring acts who have graced the stage, the positive vibe that surrounds the Skipperdome is contagious. It’s common to be in other parts of the world and see a Skipper’s fan sporting a tie-dyed t-shirt that says ‘We Smoke Everything”.

In addition to hanging out at Skipper’s & traveling with my wife, I intend to spend time in my garden getting physically & spiritually ready for the rest of my life.

Thanks to all of you who are a part of the journey. Please join me for a party on Sunday, June 29 at 5:00pm when the Johnny G Lyon Band will play a free show at Skipper’s. Rock On!

Vince McGilvra

Head Mullet, Skipper’s Smokehouse [soon to be retired]

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