New Venues Flourishing

Morgantown's music scene seems to be chugging along pretty nicely at the moment. I can't remember the last time I saw a poorly attended show, and lately a lot of local acts have been packing 123 as much as a big headliner would. However, short of doing headcounts it's difficult to judge exactly how well things are going. But one area I've definitely noticed a change coming to is the number of shows happening outside of 123 Pleasant Street, the longest-standing and most successful venue in town.

The Rosewood has settled into their niche, and even though their niche usually seems to involve folk and bluegrass oriented bands from out of town, they do occasionally book local bands and acts who routinely play at 123 and elsewhere. When it opened I think a lot of people thought it would end up sort of being 123 Jr., but it's pleasantly surprising to note the two venues seem able to differentiate themselves nicely. I'm looking forward to seeing Rasputina play there this Saturday.

Another pleasant surprise on the venue front was WVU's decision to let U92 book shows at the Mountainlair on Fridays and Saturdays. I interned with the department of WVU who used to book it and I happen to know the process was not too selective and routinely had a dismal turnout. I have been in a band who has played it and seen other bands do so as well, and I think it's something everyone should do now that they have a good booking agent, so to speak. If you play for two hours you'll get $200 and anyone who's a student or with a student can see you for free and enjoy some free food, plus cheap beer if they're over 21. I think by the end of the semester every good band and rapper in town will have played there.

The Corner Cafe has been having intermittent shows over the last year or so but now seem to be making a much more concerted effort. Lots of punk shows have been going on as well as local indie acts. Any time they have a big draw there they put away some money towards purchasing a P.A.

Lastly I feel like I should mention the Brewpub and Fuel. The Brewpub has had shows for years now although it's 21+ Nothing new there but if you're trying to set up a show it's a viable option. Also I'm told that Fuel is having shows now. Fuel is that bar next to Fatty Loaf's on Walnut Street. The smallish one in the basement. They used to have shows there when it was the Liquid Lounge and it's good to see they're doing it again.

Now, with plenty of places to play, things should just get better and better. One unfortunate side effect is that some shows are booked the same night. Through a twist of fate, the Emergency, the Ones That Got Away and David Bello are playing at the Rosewood on September 30th, Descension Rate are playing at Fuel with a metal band whose name slips my mind, and Jeremy and I are DJing at 123 Pleasant with a band from Pittsburgh called the Sexes. When I first heard about this I worried about turnout. However the more I thought about it, here are three shows with only a little overlap in attendance happening within one city block. If we can all bring out decent crowds that really says something about the health of the Morgantown music scene.

And lastly, I'm looking forward to a kickass weekend of shows. The Pernice Brothers are playing at 123 on Thursday with the ever-elusive Sandra Black. Sandra Black don't play out that often so make sure to come out and see them. I've always missed the Pernice Brothers but I'm glad I'll finally get a chance to see them. I heard J. Marinelli and the Librarians might be playing too, which would make it one hell of a show. Then on Friday you've got the show at the Corner Cafe (J. Marinelli / M. Iafrate / Sean Decker) and Saturday some blistering cello and violin assaults from Rasputina at the Rosewood. If their crowd is anything like it was last time then it will be standing room only. Kids, you have absolutely no excuse not to get out of the house.