I was talking with a couple of friends of mine last week about how different your average dance clubs and trendy bars/nightclubs are from live music venues. I was in New Orleans last weekend doing a gig and my drummer and I got to go to Tipitina's to see Kermit Ruffin (awesome by the way) and a bunch of us just got to talking about the stark difference between the two types of places. It isn't just the people although that is part of it. It's like there are completely different social structures in each of them. A person who might be considered a major reject in a trendy night club might be the coolest guy in the bar at a live music venue and vice versa. There are whole different sets of rules and everything. Just found that to be an interesting social study and thought I'd pass it along. Thoughts?
For sure, Jeff; the dynamics are almost polar opposites. When I was playing in Houston I always bemoaned the fact that you could not reach a more diverse audience. The opporetunity to expand youir fan base was so limited as those who came to your gigs were either previous fans/friends, other bands, or the same old scenesters you see at all the live venues. My favorite gig back then was 'New Wave Mondays' at the Roxy. Finally, you got to be heard by those who may not typically go to Fitzgeralds. Plus, there was always a plentitude of hotties
You guys should check out a new club on Tanglewood just off Westeimer called The Tounge and Groove. It's less than a month old. It used to be a number of other clubs but the owners are really nice guys who want to have live music Thursdays thru Sundays. Very relaxed environment and since it's new, they're always having drink specials. In fact, you should check it out tonight. I hear there's a really good band playing....with an amazing drummer.
No question. The clientele, vibe, rules....everything is different when comparing a live music club to a trendy bar/disco. In Houston, a great comparison to make one night would be to go to the Red Door, and then to the Continental Club.
When I have on my $150 jeans, I'm the coolest guy anywhere. And I'm definitely the coolest guy in my homemade backyard patio bar...
Yeah, my funny t-shirts I wear to shows won't even get me past the door guy at any downtown dance club. Which is why you typically won't find me at any of those.
Didn't that place used to be Surfside Sally's? I drove past it the other day and we were wondering what kind of joint it is. Dart boards and/or pool tables? My current favorite bar (I can't stand trendy clubs) is Knuckleheads on Winrock behind Baby Dolls and across from Caligula. You get some good eye candy in that place. Wonder why?
I used to live down the street from that place. The sign companies were making a fortune there because it would become a new club every other month. I've never been inside.
I think so. It's a free standing building across the street from some apartments. It's got a huge deck with a bar behind the building. Like JV said, I think it's been about 50 different clubs in the past 10 years. This one might last though because The Tounge and Groove is actually a national franchise and they have lots of corporate money to use for advertising etc. But back on topic... I loathe "dance" clubs. I'll only go to a club if a band is playing. To tell the truth, I prefer pubs to clubs. The more laid back, the better. If it has a pool table and a good jukebox, I'm there.
I love me some Ron's Pub on Fountanview! Leather chairs, good jukebox, darts.... FFB: that is the place that used to be Fumduck's. Haven't been to Fumducks in a few years, but it was a good place for peoplewatching. Diverse crowd of Galleria area apartment losers, strippers, restaurant employees, and random goons.
