By Trevor Greenway

Local Journalism Intiative

This story was updated on March 4, 2025.

There is no imminent opening date set for the Black Sheep Inn, according to current co-owner Paul Symes. 

Symes told the Low Down Feb. 24 that, while he wants nothing more than to see the Wakefield music venue back up and running, the deal to transfer ownership of the building and the business is highly complicated and will take some time. 

Symes explained that the deal includes two aspects: the business sale, which involves the selling of shares, and a mortgage of the building. Symes said, “Both are incredibly complicated and still need a lot of work.”

The Low Down published a front-page article in December of last year that the Sheep was returning with a late January opening date. However, the deal between Symes and Jennifer Nesbitt, who owns the other half of the business and the building, is still being finalized. 

Prior to the pandemic, The Black Sheep Inn had been a premier destination for local, national and international performers. It was shuttered during the pandemic and has so far remained closed. 

“It doesn’t feel real yet,” says Wakefielder Christina Stobert, who is taking over the live music business. 

It was March 13, 2020, when Wakefield songwriter John McAlpine unknowingly strummed on his guitar what was to be the final note played at the Sheep before the COVID-19 pandemic closed the bar down for what everyone thought would be a short hiatus while we “flattened the curve.” 

But as other establishments began to open back up in 2022, the Sheep remained shuttered as the snow came and went, spring flowers bloomed, wilted and bloomed again. It remained closed for the next four-plus years, with locals, musicians and reporters wondering if the iconic music venue, which has hosted everyone from Arcade Fire to Serena Ryder and locals Fiftymen, would ever reopen. 

But when the building’s co-owner Jennifer Nesbitt approached Stobert to revive the old sonic stomp, she said she couldn’t say no. 

“I was approached by Jennifer Nesbitt, and she told me, ‘If anyone can do it, you can,’” says Stobert. When asked how the flattering vote of confidence made her feel, she says, “Like I was doomed to be here,” quickly correcting herself to say, “Like I was meant to be here.”

Extensive renovations have taken place since August, and the space is all but ready to host events. Once an agreement has been signed, the venue is expected to reopen.