May 19, 2008
Question of the week: Your favorite shows, venues
I had an interesting e-mail conversation last week with one of my bosses (too many bosses, I tell you!) Anyway, we were trading thoughts on favorite concerts, venues, hangouts, and the idea morphed into a question of the week.
So tell me: What's your favorite haunt of today, yesterday or both? It can be in Roanoke, Blacksburg, the town where you went to college -- or all of the above. What are some great shows you saw there?
And which clubs in the Roanoke and New River Valleys could qualify for that status today? If none would, tell us what they're missing.
Comments
[May 19, 2008 2:15 PM]
Rev. Zicka-funk : →http://www.myspace.com/zickafunkI remember some kickin gigs at the (woooo dare I say it?)Mix One6 not too long ago. My tenure here in the Valley is only about 7 years, so the only thing that really got silly beyond the Mix in my memory would be (woooo dare I say it?) Club Audio.
[May 19, 2008 2:28 PM]
Tad : →http://www.roanoke.com/entertainment/insideout/musicWell, Zick, since I added your show promotions page on myspace the other day, I expect there will be future silliness. Anyway, you know where to holler when you've got more shows on the books!
Somehow, Club Audio completely escaped my consciousness. Tell me about it, when you have a minute.
[May 19, 2008 3:14 PM]
MarcusHands down, the best local music venue was and likely will forever be The Iroquois. For all their faults (and there were many - bad sound, low pay for bands, poor management), they would allow anyone a chance to play and would let anyone with $5 see the show, no matter their age. If Roanoke could pull off an all-ages music venue that allowed alcohol and consistently supported local music (I'm looking at you, Jefferson Center's side stage room), someone might have a chance of upending The Iroquois legend status, but not until then.
[May 19, 2008 3:32 PM]
PeteWell, what a big topic, and what potential it has for showing one's age!!
May I be first to say the most obvious: the Iroqouis. It had other incarnations, such as its' long earlier stint as the King's Inn and its' later punk rock days. But it was during the nearly decade long ownership of Ronnie & Shirley Thomas that it consisently brought great shows to Rke. while also making spots for local talent, and with a good hanging vibe.
Then there is the other obvious one, the CoffeePot. Most folks have C-Pot memories; some might remember the mid-80's Dickie Betts show that was aired on USA cable networks' "Night Flite".
There are also the long forgotten spots like the Dixie Caverns building (now the gift shop) where the Allman Bros. and Paul Butterfield, among others, played. Then there are the cabins-Baldwin's in Catawba and Toby's Lodge in Back Creek-where generations of folks have partied to bands since before WW2. One such party that I personally fondly don't remember was the July 4, 1976 Bi-centennial party at Toby's featuring Rke. hard rock band Razzmatazz; pure 70's excess in every way!
That also reminds me of the teen pool parties with bands at places like Stonegate Pool in Salem and North Lakes pool in North County. Does that ever happen anymore? (Reading the coverage of the Lord Botetourt battle of the bands was a refreshing reminder of that era).
Among the current clubs, 202 Market seems to book shows closest to my personal tastes, and coupled with the Blues BBQ nearby it makes for a good destination evening.
[May 19, 2008 4:07 PM]
ronbailey : →http://ronbailey.us/blog/Sonic Youth at the Cat's Cradle down in Carrboro would still have to rate as my favorite.
Locally, I'd have to agree with Marcus - the Iroquois holds a LOT of fond memories for me.
[May 19, 2008 4:32 PM]
PeteMay I add a couple more? In the early 90's the Barrelhouse in Salem had shows by Phish, Dave Mathews, Blues Traveler, Hootie and the Blowfish and others, often in conjunction with adjacent dates by those same groups at Blacksburg's South Main Cafe. (South Main booked the most consistently interesting shows in those days in the NRV. It's gone now, and the Barrelhouse is a sports bar). This sort of piggyback booking with NRV clubs could still bring Rke. some fine up&coming acts, as it did then; maybe the new Floydfest city series that CutN'Scratch has just announced is a step in that same direction.
That was the era when Bob Margolin was living in Blacksburg, and he played all around the area. I saw him be shamefully ignored during a no cover solo acoustic gig at Macado's in downtown Rke. once, demonstrating that a pickup bar is not the best for musical appreciation.
Rke. has earned its' apathetic reputation-I was once literally the only customer to show up for a gig by the very good and local Rick Bucklin Blues Band at Howard's III, across from the Y in Rke.; a converted church where Rev. Billy Wirtz played often (a certain RT&WN editor will recall nights with Rev. Billy at the Elbow Room in Harrisonburg).
But really, Marcus' comments about the Iroquois are right on target. I think the best show I saw there was Jorma Kaukonen solo. I missed the Iroquois' Richard Thompson and Roy Buchanan shows, to my lasting regret.
[May 19, 2008 4:55 PM]
dbrowell : →http://http:www.twitter.com/dbrowellBoathouse, if only for sheer nostalgia. (R.I.P. Boathouse.)
I love Merriweather Post...
But nothing tops Manchester, TN once a year...
[May 19, 2008 5:12 PM]
Case Jones : →http://www.casejones.comPlaces that I have played and liked Awful Arthurs at Towers I like the setup of the place. Green Dolphin when it was open was a small spot but if you were rockin it the energy in there was great. Coffee Pot was pretty good. Back in the day have to go with The Melting Pot very good hiphop spot to party at and had some real good memories there also. One more in blacksburg Baylees that place was awsome we did a few shows with True Sound out there and always was a good vibe
[May 20, 2008 1:38 PM]
Tad : →http://www.roanoke.com/entertainment/insideout/musicWell, guys, I'm glad you mentioned the Iroquois. I'm afraid I arrived in town too late for its heyday, and have only been tantalized by its legend. A shame when a club like that goes away. I hope folks are enjoying their condos. Urg.
As for the Barrelhouse, this is only the second time I've heard of it. When Col. Bruce Hampton was in town last year, he and I sat down and talked a while, and he told me that the Barrelhouse was the first out-of-town joint the Aquarium Rescue Unit played. I can only imagine that clubgoers that night were stupified.
Thanks for all the responses!
[May 20, 2008 1:59 PM]
MIchelleHave you heard anything about the Shelor Motor Mile Talent Contest? Any locals involved? Who are the judges?
[May 20, 2008 10:31 PM]
scottin Roanoke, I gotta go with The Iroquois. Even when that place was crowded, there was still room. The location was good and in a low traffic area so the outside and parking lot were good social places in between bands. Shirley wasn't the best, but hats off to her for allowing anyone in and anyone to play. I also saw many shows at the Secret Garden on Campbell... I think that place is now called La Finca, but haven't been in there. I still dont think there's a great place to see live music in Roanoke. If the Coffee Pot had more parking and less tables, that place could be good. I'm not going to Metro to see music no matter what because the drinks are more expensive than new york city. ($7 for a Red Stripe?! WHAT?)
If someone further down on Salem Av could convert one of those buildings into a place to have shows exclusively, it could be a nice revival and encourage kids to start bands!
[May 21, 2008 3:32 PM]
Tad : →http://www.roanoke.com/entertainment/insideout/musicOK, Michelle. I almost deleted your obvious attempt at marketing the talent contest. Instead, I decided to make fun of your ham-fisted effort to insert a commercial onto my blog!
And lest other readers think I'm being too mean, Michelle's e-mail addy ended with the word "marketing". So there!
Just playing, Michelle. Now tell us about your favorite local or regional venue. And I *know* it ain't the Motor Mile Speedway!
[May 21, 2008 6:34 PM]
Bill Hudson : →http://Bill-Hudson.comI remember when I opened for Davis Wilcox a while back at The Iroquois years back when Roanoke use to be a stop for me.Turns out something happened and David never did show up. I held the crowd for over an hour and keep telling folks he was on his way. What ever happened who knows? Funny night.
[May 21, 2008 7:03 PM]
PeteHaving personally accepted Tad's right as blogmaster to insist on accurate identities, and given that Michelle may be unlikely to check back here after her astroturf (pseudo-grassroots) marketing attempt, may I be allowed to supply some of the answers to her query? (Of course, Tad, please delete this post if it is not appropriate):
This year's Talent Contest showcases Female vocal talents, culled from the ranks of the American Idle. You'll hear "The Milkshake Song" sung by the Oval Teens, followed by the Chesney-ish hit "2 or 3 Margaritaville" sung by Norma Lee Shye, and then Lowrider Lynn will perform "Cole's Minor Daughter" by R. Kelly. Tammy Wynot will sing "Like A Winestoned Cowboy", followed by Miley Cyrus McCormick hoping to reap attention with "Baby Pictures Got Back". Wretchin' Wilson will perform "Beers In Heaven", followed by "Mama Told Me (Be Prepared)" by Carrie Underwear, and then vocal trio Paisley Urban Rascal will sing "Little Red Corvette, Financing Available". And finally, Mary Chapin's Carpenter will sing "If I Had A Hammer".
Hosted By Hot Country 109.9 DJ Cousin Gene Poole, the evening will also include restroom line dancing and a display of Jimmy Dean's sausage. Contact Michelle for more details.
[May 21, 2008 7:51 PM]
Tad : →http://www.roanoke.com/entertainment/insideout/musicMiley Cyrus McCormick!! Paging the Grim Reaper. I like the roll you're on, Pete.
Nice lineup. I might have to hit that show.
By the way, "Pete," I insist less on accurate identities, and inveigh more against bot-like behavior.
That said, come on back, Michelle.
[May 22, 2008 12:08 PM]
MichelleI went to college in Winston-Salem and they had a great place called Ziggy's that would have some really great bands from all over the country. It was a great atmosphere - you're indoors but you feel like you're outdoors because the flooring is wooden like a deck. Loved it!
[May 22, 2008 12:09 PM]
MichelleHa Tad! That was just my work address, I don't do any marketing for Shelor. I just wanted to know if anyone local won the car!
[May 22, 2008 2:16 PM]
Tad : →http://www.roanoke.com/entertainment/insideout/musicHey Michelle! Thanks for clearing that up for us. I won't call you a liar. Haha!
I haven't heard anything about it. You could probably call the car lot.
Anyway ... I played at Ziggy's with a blues band about 1,100 years ago. It was really cool there. I hear it's moved, and is now an indoor venue. So much for the unique.
Fork in the Alley is like a miniature Ziggy's, I think. But the crowd that goes there has little to no geniune interest in music, even though management hires consistently good acts.
Bebop Hoedown is playing there Friday. Maybe the Hoe will draw its own crowd, and the silver fox meat market group will stay away.
[May 22, 2008 8:40 PM]
J GriffThe over ability to throw a good show is limited in Roanoke these days. My partner and I threw a string of successful shows at the mix one6 before having the plug pulled on us, and will continue to do so at 202 and The Jeff center, but I agree Roanoke needs a venue that is exclusively for music, and the empty buildings on salem ave would be perfect, we hope to be able to offer something along the lines of the orange peel in asheville in time. But without a venue as such it is difficult to bring in national acts that are not big enough to go at the civic center.
[May 24, 2008 11:38 AM]
SarahJust a heads up--there is a new local art space in the works over off 5th and Elm called The Water Heater. They're in the process of getting all the correct permits (permits, mind you!) and they're hoping to be functional in late June or July. Its a big raw room, they hope to have classes rent the space during the day but then in the evenings feature music, art, film, whatever. It its very DIY, open to any age group, and eventually they hope to have Non-Profit status so that they can have beer and wine like the Jeff Center. This should be a very flexible space, so if you have ideas for events you'd like to host there, or have any questions, drop 'em a line over on myscoper.com or myspace.com/myscoper.
Nobody is going to build our city for us. We've gotta work together!
[May 30, 2008 11:21 AM]
Chico : →http://www.thepoprivets.comI will chime in on this...
Nothing has ever come close to the Iroquois.
For about a year, Roanoke got close with Wit's End/ Belly of the Beast.
Finaaly -what could have been the coolest venue ever... Place used to be called Jarbo's... its Girls Girls Girls now (or whatever they call it). For a brief moment back in 1990/1991ish, they had bands... I remember seeing Egypt there on my 21st birthday (which if you never saw this band when they would play Roanoke, you missed out).
Place over by Tanglewood (where barnes and noble is now, but much smalled) called Mai Tai, had a cool vibe for a short time also...