Date: Sunday, February 14, 2010
Time: 1:28 pm
I have just finished a delightful conversation with that Spoog, or you may know him as Matt T. As in Mr. T. It is always the best to talk with that fella. Just a very enjoyable fella. He has been trying to comment on this very blog with no success. To that I say, Keep trying, waxtop, you'll get it yet!
I sit in the kitchen of Frank's house. There is a plate of well-thawed pepperoni from a frozen pizza to my left. Behind me Lew just sang, "It's so hard living..." while exiting the warm room. At least warmest in this house. The wallpaper and copper-bottomed pots that hang in front of me are a real treat. They suited the music so well last night as we sat around eating newly vegetarian pizza and drinking Genesee Cream Ale. Not too bad, that stuff. The band sat with Jenny, Chris, April and the aforementioned Frank. He's the one who owns the house and booked our gig at Labyrinth Press Co. for us; but more on that later. We formed a lazy circle around this pizza and beer while listening to Stevie Reich. I learned both Frank and I have a passion for buttons, but besides that, learned a good snootful about Jamestown and all that it encompasses.
Jamestown is being reinvigorated by a bunch of great folks who want to make it a mecca for art and learning and goodness. And it's certainly on it's way. We started our evening at the Labyrinth Press Company with a really top notch show. We had the barista, Dan, make us up a batch of Busman's Holidays beforehand. (We asked him to make us our own signature smoothie since he is the master of such an affair.) He brought together mangos, bananas, Bothouse Farms Berry Berry juice as well as some secret ingredients. We met Dan the first time we came through Jamestown. He admirably remembered my name. I could not, unfortunately, return the favor. I would say he's the best barista I've met and not too bad of a guy either. The crowd was attentive and appreciative, which I in turn appreciated. It was just us on the bill which Frank explained was the result of weekend turnouts picking up at Lab Press paired up with him expecting a couple folks to show up for us. Both indeed happened.
In the kitchen during the wee hours of the morning last night, Frank told me he's trying to consistently book good music with a maximum of three acts, and less if it's possible. He's depending on an audience that appreciates and supports music as well as bands that deliver. To me this approach is ideal. We agree that people have a certain amount of attention and money to spend, but they're willing to spend it. If you have multiple touring acts or a large amount of locals, focus is split up too much. If good music can consistently be found people will be drawn to return again and again, no matter if they're familiar with the band or not. Frank said he has turned down bands that he knew would bring in money, but they didn't fit the aesthetic he's creating. And with those bands would come one-time visitors and alienating his established clientele. I can only see this working for Frank and the Labyrinth Press Co.
I pause for a reparking.
I'm back. I also had a nice telephone conversation with the owner of Lab Press, Jeff James. He will be a powerful force one day. He currently is a big part of this Jamestown restructuring. With his wife, Alex, and fresh baby daughter, Olive Pearl, he has taken to an apartment building, a coffee shop, and a house on the north side. Not only is he of sturdy stock but he has dreams of revitalizing this city so it's a real destination. There's not much more I can say about this man besides seek him out.
After the Lab Press we visited an abandoned bank, eventually Galactic Systems Headquarters, owned by Conor McGibboney. We played a as a benefit for the space. He's planning on turning this into a place for art, science, and research. He'll have a stage for speakers and performers. The basement houses former vaults that will be turned into sciencey things. I wish I could accurately describe this to you, but I don't have what it takes. What you need to know is Conor needs funds for this dream and, more so, support. If you're at all interested in an awesome open space of learning contact Conor at conor@galacticsystems.info .
Well, I should put a cap to this epic post. Chris, who is a roommate with Frank, has been feeding me all sorts of contacts during that past paragraph. By the way, we met up with Chris Bell while we were in Buffalo last. He loved him then and we love him now. How's that for serendipity?
Happy Valentines Day! And Happy Chinese New Year! Light some fireworks right through a heart-shaped box of chocolates! Go Tigers! And as a true way to bring this full circle, I learned of the latter holiday through Mr. T. So thanks, sir.
Yours,
Madd Dogg
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