Roof Collapses At Merriweather Post Pavilion: Report

COLUMBIA, MD — The roof at a concert venue where Janis Joplin, Jimi Henrix and other legendary musicians have performed took a turn for the worse over the weekend. During high winds, the top of Merriweather Post Pavilion buckled Saturday morning, according to the operator of the facility.

The pavilion, which is in the midst of a five-year renovation project, was in the final stages of installing its new roof, said Seth Hurwitz, chairman of I.M.P., the operator of Merriweather. Crews had been using a hydraulic lift over a period of months to put the new roof into place, he said.

"...in the middle of our months-long roof-raising operation, the winds of fate prevailed and decided that, instead of simply raising the roof, we should just go ahead and build a new one," Hurwitz said in a statement. "Was not our decision, but the bright side is all the money we save on imploding."

According to Hurwitz, there were no injuries as a result of the roof collapse.

"That is, of course, the most important thing," he said. "Second most...yes everything will be ready for season opening."

Merriweather is currently in the midst of a $55 million renovation project that includes updates like a rotating stage; more than 10,000 feet of dressing rooms; an adult and children's swimming pool for performers; new box office; new restrooms; and lighting.