Who plays the late night bandstand shows? That's a concept that could be intriguing…
birchmere versus nine thirty
Originally posted by edbert:oh yeah, the cop navigates the parking - they'll box your car in if you're not lucky. The cop leaves at a certain time, no?
Originally posted by walkonby:Isn't Birchmere in gang territory- the "Southside Locos"? Luckily they have a cop on duty in the lot every night, making it the safe spot in the barrio
… in an area where i "may" not get robbed and killed just to see a show, …
The Magnetic Fields and Bob Mould are upcoming. I remember Robert Earl Keen and Love playing there in the past. I think they try to hold any show there where people are likely to want to dance, and/or it's more of a "rock" show.
Originally posted by Bags:Just depends. And yeah, more of the louder, more movable, rock shows. Or, when they can't fit all the shows into the schedule, the spill over to bandstand.
Who plays the late night bandstand shows? That's a concept that could be intriguing…
Originally posted by bellenseb:The M.F. and Mould shows are bandstand shows?
The Magnetic Fields and Bob Mould are upcoming. I remember Robert Earl Keen and Love playing there in the past. I think they try to hold any show there where people are likely to want to dance, and/or it's more of a "rock" show.
Mould played in the big picnic room last time he was there, and I'd think sellout shows like Magnetic Fields would be in there as well. Is the capacity of the bandstand at all close to the picnic room? I'm quite surprised…this bandstand thing is relatively new, isn't it?
I have seen the Jayhawks and Jay Farrar do shows at both the 9:30 and the Birchmere. In both cases the Birchmere shows were acoustic, while the 9:30 shows were not. I think that sums it up for me, a little simple I know, but then so am I. In both of those cases the Birchmere show was better by the way.
For those of you interested by the way, Magnetic Fields tickets can be purchased at Revolution Records according to the Magnetic Fields website.
the magnetic fields shows this week are in the bandstand, but they are all seated. still, that's a good show to be seated for. i remember last time they played here it was at 930, and during the last song of the set someone's cell phone went off at a very quiet part and merritt said, "next time turn your cell phones off." you knew he wouldn't be back at the club after that. he's a bitter, bitter man. should be some great shows, though, they've been playing lots of pre-69 love songs stuff like "smoke and mirrors" and "strange powers" and the like.
So how many seats might fit in that bandstand area? Doesn't seem like it'd be much…
Originally posted by Bombay Chutney:I've been to a couple of these. Dave Alvin/Los Straitjackets they didn't have tables in front of the stage, just on the sides and in the back, so it was a much more "rock" environment with a lot of people standing on the floor in front of the stage and not so much lighting, other than the stage lights. I had expected it to be kind of a drag, but instead was able to roam around to different vantage points and it sounded good from everywhere. Had a small pizza at the bar beforehand that was pretty good and I don't recall thinking it was expensive.
What about late shows in the bandstand at the Birchmere? The website says it's general admission with limited seating surrounding the dance floor. Is it still necessary to get there really early, or is there plenty of room to get a decent spot if you get there shortly before showtime?
"Decent" doesn't necessarily mean right up front, but I'd prefer to at least have decent sightlines.
About a month ago I went to see Raul Malo solo acoustic in the bandstand and it was entirely seated. Got there at 9:30 and the only tables still open were on the side against the wall and that smaller room in the way back. It looked like everyone else had been there for at least an hour. I ended up on the side, not the best vantage point but could see Raul just fine and the sound was excellent. Had an OK salad for dinner that was gigantic. I did appreciate the staff's quick action when an idiotic woman was yapping on her cellphone during the opening act's set, disturbing at least 10 tables. Once they had been made aware of the problem they shut that bitch up quick.
I like the bandstand because it's more relaxed than the main room, but I think you still need to get there early if you care about where you sit. Although you can just lurk around in the bar/smoking section all night, with a decent side view, or hang out against the back wall or by the soundboard if you don't feel like sitting at a table. That's what I usually do.
Originally posted by Bags:There are plenty of tables/seats/chairs in the bandstand area, as well as the bar area stage right. The only standing room is in the aisles and a square right by the stage of about 25 square feet. Anybody sitting what appears to be the best seats in the house before showtime (right near this open area in front of the stage) are soon made unhappy by people standing in front of them.
So how many seats might fit in that bandstand area? Doesn't seem like it'd be much…
I saw the Gourds and Split Lip Rayfield there a few weeks ago in the bandstand.
Good sized crowd, great show. But there are so many tables even out there, any uptempo act starts from behind because the entire crowd is sitting down.
I agree for an act that is more natural to enjoy seated, Birchmere is tops. But ANY act where you may want to stand AT ALL, its frustrating to be essentially tied to your seat.
The first two Steve Earle shows I saw were solo acoustic at the 9:30 followed by a full on rock show with the Dukes at the Birchmere. I'm sure there were other reasons why this happened, but I've always thought someone did it just to fuck with the fans for the fun of it.
wow . . . i posted this at work today for fun, and by the time i get back, there's a quantum going on. here is how attend the birchmere in style, in my opinion only. if it is a show inside the hall, get there when the box office opens to get a good lottery number for getting in. i think it's about five o clock on the days of shows; then go and have a wonderful dinner somewhere and get the drinky drink on, to start the night off right; then, as some have pointed out, birchmere is not in the "greatest part of alexandria" and some cabbies will advise you to call only when you are ready to leave–they never just go to "that part of town"–then other cabbies say those first cabbies are lying; i do advise taking a cab there because the lot is smaller and sometimes they really pack them in, which can be a bitch if you want to leave early; then get there half and hour, or so, before they start to call lottery numbers to be let in and boom.
if you are seeing a show on the other stage, an hour is good to get there before hand . . . and come on, you get there an "hour" before hand; go look around, check out the store, order more drinks, go for the big tables on the right first, sit with anyone, order pitchers, and have a great time. the other stage is better because you can talk and smoke and be rowdy, but for sound con-e-sewers, the main hall is the best buy.
and i still suffer the chances of parking on eighth street to have a close walk to see what i know will be a kick ass, small club venue show at nine thirty. thank you, seth.
and is it me, because i honestly don't know, from only visiting the place about three times, but is the crowd at black cat, black cat, some spare change for the homeless, sort of a bit snotty; you know mate, like skool girl english style snotty, and those damn lisa lobe glasses.
if you are seeing a show on the other stage, an hour is good to get there before hand . . . and come on, you get there an "hour" before hand; go look around, check out the store, order more drinks, go for the big tables on the right first, sit with anyone, order pitchers, and have a great time. the other stage is better because you can talk and smoke and be rowdy, but for sound con-e-sewers, the main hall is the best buy.
and i still suffer the chances of parking on eighth street to have a close walk to see what i know will be a kick ass, small club venue show at nine thirty. thank you, seth.
and is it me, because i honestly don't know, from only visiting the place about three times, but is the crowd at black cat, black cat, some spare change for the homeless, sort of a bit snotty; you know mate, like skool girl english style snotty, and those damn lisa lobe glasses.
But…
Don't they give out lottery numbers at 5, then start calling them off at 6? Makes it tough to get dinner elsewhere and make it back in time. Maybe if you run to RTs.
Don't they give out lottery numbers at 5, then start calling them off at 6? Makes it tough to get dinner elsewhere and make it back in time. Maybe if you run to RTs.
Originally posted by bellenseb:Yeah, I'm curious what time do they start calling lottery numbers?
But…
Don't they give out lottery numbers at 5, then start calling them off at 6? Makes it tough to get dinner elsewhere and make it back in time. Maybe if you run to RTs.
Originally posted by bellenseb:So basically this means I have to leave for VA around 4:15 for a band that will go on sometime around 9:00. That's insane. (And on a weeknight, that's leaving work two hours early, for a LOCAL show – not even Nissan :eek: )
But…
Don't they give out lottery numbers at 5, then start calling them off at 6? Makes it tough to get dinner elsewhere and make it back in time. Maybe if you run to RTs.
I would have thought the advantage to a bandstand show is that it's not all seated. If it is all seated, why bother?
Originally posted by Bags:Yup, the conundrum for me as well. (tough to get to 6 pm shows at 9:30 as well, but those shows are rare. But why I missed Fogerty!).
Originally posted by bellenseb:So basically this means I have to leave for VA around 4:15 for a band that will go on sometime around 9:00. That's insane. (And on a weeknight, that's leaving work two hours early, for a LOCAL show – not even Nissan :eek: )
But…
Don't they give out lottery numbers at 5, then start calling them off at 6? Makes it tough to get dinner elsewhere and make it back in time. Maybe if you run to RTs.
This past summer, from VA, mid-week, I left at 5/5:30 pm to a show at Birchmere starting at 8 pm. Took me an hour. The parking lot was 75% full and yes, there were no remaining seats viewable. So, yeah, if I plan to go out there during the week, I either need to leave work early, or show up late and not care where I sit. Or, as I did that night, sit in the bar and watch the crappy videofeed. (Good idea, but the video / monitor needs to be adjusted).
Do people not go to many shows so taking off of work every so often is not a large issue? Or, does everyone live or work close to a venue where time is not an issue?
Originally posted by BookerT:Speaking of..just rec'd Birchmere's email:
the magnetic fields shows this week are in the bandstand, but they are all seated. still, that's a good show to be seated for. i remember last time they played here it was at 930, and during the last song of the set someone's cell phone went off at a very quiet part and merritt said, "next time turn your cell phones off." you knew he wouldn't be back at the club after that. he's a bitter, bitter man. should be some great shows, though, they've been playing lots of pre-69 love songs stuff like "smoke and mirrors" and "strange powers" and the like.
Thu&Fri. Dec. 2&3: MAGNETIC FIELDS w/ Darren Hanlon -10pm- Late Show in the Bandstand! $22.50(Adv), $25(DoS) - This is an ALL SEATED Bandstand show, without Tables. Dinner & Doors 8pm. www.houseoftomorrow.com (Friday 12/3 is SOLD OUT!)
Originally posted by El Tee:The majority of the shows I see in the DC area are at the 9:30 and Black Cat. I rarely venture out to Virginia for shows.
Do people not go to many shows so taking off of work every so often is not a large issue? Or, does everyone live or work close to a venue where time is not an issue?
I work in Dupont and can walk to the BC or take a bus to the 9:30.
Originally posted by El Tee:Gotta watch out for those Southside locos! ;)
[Isn't Birchmere in gang territory- the "Southside Locos"?
Originally posted by walkonby:um, that sounds dreadfully complicated for going to a show. 930 isn't nearly as complex. i've never been to birchmere though, and its like 5 miles away. was considering magnetic fields
wow . . . i posted this at work today for fun, and by the time i get back, there's a quantum going on. here is how attend the birchmere in style, in my opinion only. if it is a show inside the hall, get there when the box office opens to get a good lottery number for getting in. i think it's about five o clock on the days of shows; then go and have a wonderful dinner somewhere and get the drinky drink on, to start the night off right; then, as some have pointed out, birchmere is not in the "greatest part of alexandria" and some cabbies will advise you to call only when you are ready to leave–they never just go to "that part of town"–then other cabbies say those first cabbies are lying; i do advise taking a cab there because the lot is smaller and sometimes they really pack them in, which can be a bitch if you want to leave early; then get there half and hour, or so, before they start to call lottery numbers to be let in and boom.
if you are seeing a show on the other stage, an hour is good to get there before hand . . . and come on, you get there an "hour" before hand; go look around, check out the store, order more drinks, go for the big tables on the right first, sit with anyone, order pitchers, and have a great time. the other stage is better because you can talk and smoke and be rowdy, but for sound con-e-sewers, the main hall is the best buy.
and i still suffer the chances of parking on eighth street to have a close walk to see what i know will be a kick ass, small club venue show at nine thirty. thank you, seth.
and is it me, because i honestly don't know, from only visiting the place about three times, but is the crowd at black cat, black cat, some spare change for the homeless, sort of a bit snotty; you know mate, like skool girl english style snotty, and those damn lisa lobe glasses.