Church is latest Boston music locale to shut down

The band the Great Bandini performed at Church in 2008.Globe Staff/file

Benny Tucker, booker for Church of Boston, posted on Facebook Saturday confirming the closing of the live music venue side of the establishment.

"I . . . was told via text message that as of today, the club was being sold and [immediately] shut down," the message said. "Unfortunately, this was with the complete disregard for our artists. For me, I'll tell you, I was given no notice on this myself. Truthfully. As surprised as you are, . . . so am I." Tucker went on to write, "I've had some of the best times of my life at 69 Kilmarnock St in Fenway and the memories will never fade."

A rep for the club and ownership at Dreamshop Hospitality, who declined to be named, said it was time to close the music venue because the local scene has changed. She said all of Church — the club and the restaurant — is under agreement for sale, but would not give details.

On Monday afternoon, Steven Bunce, of the band Light Bright — which was supposed to perform Tuesday as part of a residency at the club — said he still hadn't been told by Tucker or Church owners that the gig was off. "I contacted the booker and asked what was going on but he hasn't gotten back to me," Bunce said, adding that he and his band heard about the closing from friends on Facebook. Acts that were supposed to perform over the next few weeks at Church included the Magic Beans, Nicole Alexandra, and Turbine.

Church, which used to be the Linwood Grill, opened in 2007. It's the third well-known local music venue to announce its closing over the past few months. T.T. the Bear's hosted its final show in July. Also in July, Johnny D's announced it would close early next year.