Changing space of the local scene

By Kristi Alexandra [Entertainment Bureau Chief]

Compared to the Commodore Ballroom or Richards on Richards (rest in peace, Dicks), Venue is a strange place for indie acts. That’s not to say there hasn’t been a few great shows there as of late (Adam Green,  the Cool Kids), but the shows always seem to end about two hours earlier than at, say, the Biltmore Cabaret.

When I went to see ex-Moldy Peach Adam Green on April 1, I was disappointed that the place had completely cleared out by 10 p.m. the ex-Plaza Club’s open booths have been replaced with dark, sheltered enclaves and a lounge area mid-dancefloor where a floating bar used to be.

Can we even get a pitcher anymore?

Maybe I’m just being hard on the new guys, but I miss the openness of the Plaza Club as a music venue. The new place seems a little too eager to make the switch from live music into an electro dance party come 10 p.m.

And it’s not just them, much of Vancouver’s music scene has undergone a considerable change of landscape as of late.

I needlessly say that Richards on Richards is mourned by many a music-goer in this rainy city (now replaced by 560 Seymour). Tons of punk kids couldn’t get past the closure of the Cobalt, so affectionately renaming the new venue—917 Main—the Fauxbalt. And of course, long standing classics such as the El Dorado have recently just dropped off the map.

Whining aside, this city does have quite a few good remaining venues that have stood the test of time—namely the Commodore Ballroom and the Vogue theatre. Places like the Rickshaw Theatre and the Biltmore are making quite the name for the local Vancouver music scene, while trusty ol’ GM place is still known to pack a crowd of FM radio fans. But I guess the new venues will have to undergo a few more reviews. And that, dear readers, is all up to you.

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