Someone asked on The National's facebook page how Richmond got a MBV show when other major east coast cities haven't seen them in 18 years and they responded that "several bands including Dinosaur Jr" told Kevin that The National was the best venue in the country and that's why they picked there. I'm sure that's mostly promotional hyperbole, but apparently J Mascis' recommendation (they had just played there in April) had something to do with The National getting that show.
MBV - roll call for Richmond show, Thurs. 7/30
hmm not sure it's the best but it's pretty good. Sound wise 930 is much better then the national.
walkonby wrote:That's really funny that you think you'd get one.
i would of love to have gone, just to see if i could snag one of those ultra rare julian's america rsvps. sorry, but mbv (to me) is nothing more than moaning at loud frequencies through a fan to ultra pulse light strobe.
Julian, wrote:walkonby wrote:That's really funny that you think you'd get one.
i would of love to have gone, just to see if i could snag one of those ultra rare julian's america rsvps. sorry, but mbv (to me) is nothing more than moaning at loud frequencies through a fan to ultra pulse light strobe.
Jaguar, you cant make it? You will be missed…
I'll be there. Really looking forward to it. Have to say I'm bummed Jaguar won't be there, since she's really the one who turned me on to shoegaze and MBV.
This will be my first show at the National and my first trip to Richmond. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
This will be my first show at the National and my first trip to Richmond. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
Darth wrote:
my first trip to Richmond. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
leave as soon as possible.
Darth wrote:As far as what? Where to eat? Hotel recommendations?
If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
wml7 wrote:
hmm not sure it's the best but it's pretty good. Sound wise 930 is much better then the national.
As with most venues that all depends on where you are in the house when listening to the show. The sound at 930 kicks ass especially with the new system. The National has sounded better over the last few months than it did when it first opened. I have no idea if they got new sound people or if the people in place simply learned the equipment better, etc.
Darth wrote:This will be my first show at the National and my first trip to Richmond. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
The city itself sucks. Take the bad parts about DC and magnify them 10x then take the good parts about DC and eliminate them, now you have the city of Richmond. The slip (a few blocks south east of the venue) is the bar scene, but it can be a tad hoity toidy. The only decent place for food close by, Gibson's Grill, is partnered with the venue. It is on the same block as the venue at the corner of 7th and Broad. They have an early entry deal going for most show. As far as parking goes, driving west on Broad Street, take a right on 7th and get in your left lane. There is a deck that the club uses as its 'official' parking. I believe it is $10 to park.
RatBastard wrote:Wow, I couldn't disagree more. Not about Gibson's quality (its ok), but that it's the only decent place close by. Guess it depends on your definition of close by but Tobacco Company, LuLu's, Capital Ale House, Comfort, Chez Foushee (lunch only, admittedly), Bistro 27 and Popkins Tavern are all within 10 blocks.
The only decent place for food close by, Gibson's Grill, is partnered with the venue. It is on the same block as the venue at the corner of 7th and Broad.
And that parking garage is $5. Someone can go south on 8th to Cary, then loop back around to 7th and going north and find parking after 6 for free within 2-3 blocks of National. No point in paying AT ALL.
if you don't want to pay for parking all those metered parking areas should be good spots to catch.
the tobacco comp. is horrible. such a shame, too . . . the decor was delightful.
walkonby wrote:Oh? How do you figure, sport? I haven't been in a year (not a meat eater and not a particularly vegetarian friendly menu) but several of my friends with discerning palettes go frequently and it's a perennial "top 10 restaurants in richmond" list entry from the Times-Dispatch and Style Weekly.
the tobacco comp. is horrible. such a shame, too . . . the decor was delightful.
Also I left off Lemaire (Virginia's only 5 star restaurant) and TJ's, both in the Jefferson. FABULOUS.
anyone have a good hotel to stay at that won't break the bank?
Julian, wrote:walkonby wrote:Oh? How do you figure, sport? I haven't been in a year (not a meat eater and not a particularly vegetarian friendly menu) but several of my friends with discerning palettes go frequently and it's a perennial "top 10 restaurants in richmond" list entry from the Times-Dispatch and Style Weekly.
the tobacco comp. is horrible. such a shame, too . . . the decor was delightful.
Also I left off Lemaire (Virginia's only 5 star restaurant) and TJ's, both in the Jefferson. FABULOUS.
i did only eat there once, and it was atleast a year ago. both my partner and i ordered apps, salads, drinks, totally different meals, and even dessert. after we walked out, we were like
perhaps it was a case of "bad night" but the food was just not good compared to what i like to eat in dc, especially when it's rated as "one of the town's best." and i stayed at the jefferson once, and fabu is such an understatement, sweetie britches.
For parking near the National, you're fine on-street wise. Nearly all of the meters aren't in use after 6 PM - its all 2 hr parking from 8 to 6. When I saw SY last week, I parked on 8th st one block from the venue without having to pay a meter.
Also, what is the price range for Gibson's Grill? My group have been thinking about where to eat beforehand.
And Julian, what are the price ranges of some of those restaurants? I know that Tobacco Company and Capital Ale aren't the cheapest, so which ones are?
Also, what is the price range for Gibson's Grill? My group have been thinking about where to eat beforehand.
And Julian, what are the price ranges of some of those restaurants? I know that Tobacco Company and Capital Ale aren't the cheapest, so which ones are?
Got wrote:http://www.lindenrowinn.com/
anyone have a good hotel to stay at that won't break the bank?
$120, and it's about 7 blocks from The National. Gorgeous building… not The Jefferson, but I think you'd be pleased.
betao wrote:Capital Ale House is definitely alot cheaper than Tobacco, Lemaire or TJs. You can get a burger and beer for, idk, $15 with tip.
And Julian, what are the price ranges of some of those restaurants? I know that Tobacco Company and Capital Ale aren't the cheapest, so which ones are?
LuLus, Comfort, or Bistro 27 are all going to run you 15-20 for entrees. Popkins Tavern is a gastropub and a definite good value. Really cool building and food whose quality far exceeds its pricetag.
So, in short, Gibson's, Popkins and Capital Ale would be your bottom tier price wise, Comfort, LuLu's, and Bistro 27 the middle tier, and Tobacco, Lemaire and TJ the upper tier. (Because it's been a while since I've busted out some tier rankings!)
Also, if you're interested in trying Popkin Tavern, this site is selling $50 gift certificates for $25, and you can use them for alcohol too. Pretty good liquor selection as well, I know they have Hendrick's Gin, a personal favorite.