Last night I had the pleasure to witness, yet another fantastic out of town original musical experience. But where the hell was everybody? The small but appreciative crowd that came out to the Downbeat Lounge to hear Slow Nerve Action danced, laughed and demanded an encore. With a song about "chewin' vagina", how could we not have a good time? It was a performance not to be missed...but it was by many.
The Downbeat Lounge not only supports our local musical heros with regular performances by Chris Belsito, Startlefish and The Inner City Surfers, but is also a great source for up-and-coming national talent. Some of the more notables being; Cuff the Duke, Rae Spoon, Joel Plaskett, the Agriculture Club, Bocephus King , Blue Quarter, Bedouin Sound Clash, New Shady Groove , Mr. Something Something , Novillero, Lindy , the Swiftys, the Wheat Monkeys and the Ultimate Power Duo ...just to name a few...
But it is cause for intense head scratching whilst listening to inspired original music in a half empty bar. I don't get it. Is it lack of advertising? Is it lack of interest? Are the locals just not cool?
It is a pattern for this city I have noticed during my extensive drinking and live music listening career. Chancy's, Zak's, Club Princess, Foggy Notions, Lop Lops...the unfortunate absence of support is everywhere.
Last week during the awe-inspiring performance of Moses Mayes, Trevor turned to me and asked, "Is this all the cool people in the city?" referring to the modest audience. I guess out of a population of 65 000, there are only about 40 cool people in Sault Ste. Marie. I am thankful that most of them are my friends.
I am also thankful that Trevor and Amanda continue to bring in world class entertainment for my listening pleasure. I hope they do not get discouraged. The multitude of out of town acts have vastly expanded my C.D. and t-shirt collections, as well as my music appreciation.
Thanks guys. Keep it up.
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3 comments:
Thanks Donna, your support has asways been stellar. Don't worry the bands will continue to grace the stage at Downbeat. One by one new cool people will be created and soon there will be more than enough to support our killer adventure.
Downbeat Lounge holds 60 cool people. Are you one of them?
Admittedly I have been a bit of a hermit lately, but as for this past weekend I was camping up at Pancake Bay achieving a zen state with nature (with a bit of help from Carlsberg). You are very right about the Downbeat. It is a lifeline for original music both locally and externally based. In a city with the population we have, it is a bit unusual that more people are not aware of what goes on in the clubs. There is more to SSM than Docks.
Speaking of local music....(warning, shameless self promotion ahead).....Shed is playing Foggy Notions Wednesday, July 6th. A joyous mixture of Crazy Horse and Pavement.
Come on out and have some fun. We're on at about 11:00
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