Everyone has a favorite venue.....

So, chatting it up with my bandmates not too lang ago, the topic of where you like playing the most came up. Everyone had a say and reason as to what venue they liked to play and visit the most. A couple out of town, a few in town, but none the less, many names were tossed around. This got me thinking as to how important these places are to not only our own music scene, but to music as a whole. Every band plays a first show. Now, where and just what the hell is the person booking the show thinking when they put someone that has never been on stage before? Well, that right there, is a good indicator as to just how important these places are. 

Here in Calgary there are many venues. Some are mainstays that have supported and nurtured numerous bands and fans while others have come and gone. For those who are older, you'd probably remember The Castle Pub, The Night Gallery, The Underground and of course, the infamous "Multi" just to name a few. There were many before those as well, but sadly, I am not THAT old and only have so much to offer. But, those were a few from when I was running around getting into shows and chasing bands. These days, there are still a bunch throwing the best parties. 

Go for a stagger down 17th ave and you will see show posters boasting a wide variety of music in many different venues. Some off the top of the head are places like Vern's, Dickens Pub, Broken City, The Distillery, Ship and Anchor and for all you All Ages kids, of course, who can forget The New Black. Each venue has a different feel to it, a different vibe and crowd of regulars. They will cater to anyone that will come through the doors of course, but to each room carries it's own personality. You see it in the posters on the walls, the staff spilling drinks and just the feel you get from walking through the doors. 

If not for those doors being open, where would one go for their musical fill? From what I understand, Calgary has a weak arts community in comparrison to other cities. What would we do without music or worse yet, a place to listen to music. Thinking back at all the rooms I've had the chance to play, all of the stages I done set up and tear down on and all of the staff and promoters I've got to meet, I get all misty eyed and wet in the pants. In some form of karma, in some sort of way, I think everyone needs to thank these people for putting up with our shit. 

So as our conversations would carry on, my bass player said what could potentially be the smartest thing ever said by a bass player. He would describe the venues as the most important part of the music scene. On any level. be it a hall, a bar, a club or an all ages room, there would be no bands if those people did not step up and put the shows on and let the masses through their doors. He would go on to make mention that no one ever goes to these places when they are not going to a show or playing a show. It makes sense that he would think that and it is in fact a true statement to a certain degree. When I am ready to eat, I just go wherever. If I want a beer, I'll go to the first place that is dumping cheap swill down the throats of many. 

Why don't I take the extra ten minutes, and go grab a beer at one of the local holes and grab a bite there? 

So, with that being said, I am going to try and do that. When I am bored and just need a show to watch, why not stop in on The New Black. There is always a show there. If I just want a pint and to hear obscure and often hilarious stories, why not just go to Vern's. I need some grub and am looking for a cheap taco on a Thursday, why not hit Dickens? I want something hip and fun, shit, might as well go to Broken City. And of course, who can forget the Ship when it is patio season?

So, if you ever questioned the support of a music scene, or want to try and show some support, why not hit your favorite stage when there is no show. Why not drop in, say hello and get to know the staff. Tip, oh good lord saint of fuck, tip the people. Show them that you can appreciate the business as much on a Saturday afternoon as you did the Friday night before. 

Only with less puke and with better hand eye coordination. 

Cheers all!