Playing for the Door

By Geenard Skeenard

Down in the hipster scene in Norfolk's historic Ghent, its commonplace for local bands to play for the door. Even for local faves with a dedicated following. Granted these favored few play the same haunts, the Taphouse, Coyote Cafe, the New Belmont, and the now defunct Battersons, among others. Among those mentioned, Coyote has been instrumental in bringing in great bands; however, locals still play for the door. As musicians, it's incredibly difficult to put so much effort into putting on a decent show, without having to deal with stingy and arguably, unsupportive club owners and managers. The New Belmont has even stated that they will discontinue having local bands soon, which adds to the reputation of the region. Little by little, clubs that bands can book are going away. Along with the scarcity of venues to play, come with an almost elitist and tight fisted mentality that drives decent musicians into desperation mode. It also feeds intense rivalry, and unnecessary groveling for the puny scraps left on the table.

Don't look for relief from local radio, which is anything but local, because they are intensely imbedded in the corporate mindset of bottom line profit margins, where airplay comes only to those who emulate (or try to emulate) what corporate radio says is cool. And quite frankly it's depressing to see 35 to 45 year old musicians trying to sound, act, and look like Korn or whomever. It's also equally a buzz kill to have to pay a cover to get in to see these guys BECAUSE THEY ARE WORKING FOR THE DOOR!!!!!!!!!!! Check out all the equipment, that shit ain't cheap......meanwhile the club is making a f**king killing selling beers at $3.50 apiece, that you can buy for $4 a six-pack at Gene Walters! No way should a band feel responsible for a club's draw. If it's a cool place, they'll come; the music is just a bonus.

Cool clubs that give guarantees that I think you ought to check out:

1) Through the downtown tunnel in P-town, the Castle waits like Joan of Arc for revelers who almost never come. And it's a shame. The club is stellar, wait staff is great, and the food is phenom. I saw Action Habit and the Factory Playboys rocking it hard there for about 150 people. Why people don't travel five minutes away to hang there is beyond me.

2) Guadalajara's off Shore Drive. Hey, you can't go wrong with Mexican food. The bartenders look like Hustler centerfolds, the crowd is almost always rocking, and the band lineup is always entertaining. I saw the Moaning Lisa's there blistering paint to a packed house. Big Al is so sexy........

3) Jack Quinn's on Granby Street. It's a great pub known for good drinks, food, and consistently good entertainment. People flock in there, whether it's Fish Tank Diver or Big Daddy. Lots of cool bands frequent there and the pay is always a guarantee, plus a small band tab for a few drinks and a snack. Probably the coolest wait staff in the area. Shepherd's Pie.....oh my my.

4) AJ Gators on Granby street. Though this place is a bit of a meat market, they treat bands well, and the crowd is always appreciative. Rip Dizzy rocked the place a few weeks back, and I could barely get in the door.

5) Hooplas on Shore Drive. Can you say eclectic? I've seen everything at this club. The wings are KILLER, food overall is outstanding, great wait staff, and a magnet for strange behaviorisms from the clientele. Probably the most fun I've ever had was at this pub. Element, Sea of Souls, and the old Glory Hounds have had some smoldering shows there. Clothing is optional.

6) The Halfshell on Shore Drive. This club used to be cool, though I haven't been in a long time. Difficult room, but it has a cult following and an eclectic mix of musicians who play there. You won't be disappointed; the manager who used to book is an eclectic sort as well. QuangT and others have packed the place.

Though there are many other clubs who may or may not treat musicians with respect, it's most important to note that the best thing a club owner/manager can do to help local music is to provide a venue that people want to go to, regardless! Respect goes both ways in preserving dignity. And making a band play for the door is starting to smell a whole lot like the California music scene, where they pay to play at a club. Any band that has to promote the club for the owner is doing free advertisement. It's their f**king job to promote their own club, and if they can't provide a guarantee to decent bands, maybe they ought to open a putt putt golf where they don't have to do much. If you want a rock n roll club that is successful, it won't happen if you leave it to the bands to promote it. Bring on the RAWK.