SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 ISSUE
Brewer’s Briefs
This week's column should be of interest to any person who's ever run a venue or taken part in the running of a live music venue. I say that because I'm hopeful that it will perhaps shed a little light on the subject of how NOT to run a venue.
I spent about five sweaty hours in my band's van (the AC is broken) last Saturday to go play a show in Athens, Ga., at a cool little bar with some friends of ours, as well as with another band from several hours away. When we arrived, we were informed that the show would be on the venue's outdoor stage (approximately the size of a large postage stamp).
Being the last of three bands on the bill, we didn't hit the stage until sometime after midnight. Less than halfway through our set, we were told to stop playing because of a visit from the cops. Apparently there had been a noise complaint. I'd be lying if I said I was shocked.
If you run a venue near an apartment complex or residential area, you should anticipate that the residents might be less than keen on hearing live music at 1:00 a.m. You should either require bands to start earlier, or simply have shows inside, where it won't be a problem.
Shortly after being unceremoniously yanked off stage, we were informed that the cover charge was optional, and that many of the people in attendance had not, in fact, paid admission. Needless to say, the evening's take was almost laughable. How the folks at this venue thought it was cool not to inform the show's organizer of the door policy is utterly beyond me and borders on downright sleazy.
It's simply not fair for bands to travel great distances only to have their shows ruined by negligent venues who don't ensure the success of the evening by being completely up front with the performers. For so many players who count on the meager wages paid for providing live music (especially original music), nights like this make trying to pay the rent difficult. And after a long, hot drive to Georgia, last Saturday night's show was just a big kick in the pants.
This Week…
-This Friday, September 3, the one and only Greg Ginn, acclaimed guitarist and founding member of iconic punk band Black Flag, will perform at Black Cat Burrito with his psychedelic rock outfit The Taylor Texas Corrugators. Ginn may have shed his punk roots for something a little less edgy and a little more jammy, but he's a legend nonetheless. Don't miss this show.
-Winston-Salem roots outfit The Deluge will make their High Country debut this Friday, September 3, at Canyons in Blowing Rock. Fans of Darrell Scott will dig this band's grass-meets-rock sound featuring hot picking, smooth harmonies and hook-laden songs that will stick to your ribs.
-The annual New River Blues Festival will take place this Sunday, September 5, at the River House Inn in Grassy Creek. Led by the High Country's own King Bees, this year's fest will feature South Carolina blues legend Drink Small, Sammy Blue, Ike & Val Woods, Shrimp City Slim & Juke Joint Johnny and more. The King Bees always throw a great party, so grab your blanket and head to Ashe County for the best blues event of the year.
Next Week…
-Get your dance party on at Boone Saloon when hip Brooklyn-based dance outfit Javelin comes to town next Wednesday, September 8. Forget techno or anything of the like. Javelin's sound harkens back to the '80s school of beats, blips and bumps. Joining Javelin will be local DJs smallwonder and OMI.
-The High Country's own Surefire Bluegrass Band will round out this summer's Music In The Valle series. Taking place at Valle Crucis Park, the show will be the last chance of 2010 to enjoy some great live tunes on a Friday night in one of the High Country's most pristine settings.
On The Horizon…
-Bluegrass wonders The Infamous Stringdusters will return to Legends on Friday, September 16, along with Charlotte roots outfit The New Familiars. Wowing festival crowds from coast to coast and having won a fistful of IBMA awards, the Stringdusters are one of the nation's premier modern bluegrass bands. Don't miss it bluegrass fans.
-With their new album burning up the charts and their fearless rock chick leader gracing magazine covers, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals are seriously hot these days. The band, which combines strains of soul, blues, funk and unbridled rock, will be at Legends on Tuesday, October 19.
-Legends will converge as The Del McCoury Band and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band join forces for a special show at Farthing Auditorium on Thursday, October 29. What can I say about the best bluegrass band in America and New Orleans' most famous touring group? This will be awesome. Get your tickets now.
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