C'mon Little Rock, enjoy what you have
I must have missed the memo that said all of Little Rock would be staying at home or leaving town, but not getting out ON the town on Thursday. Only a handful of folks made the Big Thursday show, and maybe the crowds starting getting out late, but club proprietors down President Clinton Avenue seemed to be standing around waiting for the crowd around 8-ish last night.
The biggest disappointment for me was seeing Big Thursday, which used to be called Big Downtown Thursday and would draw hundreds of folks under both River Market pavilions, barely attended yesterday. Great weather, great music, free admission, cheap beer -- what more could you ask for? I can promise you, I've seen hundreds upon hundreds of folks turn out for music that was pure shit compared to what was on the stage yesterday. I realize I can't hold a gun to your heads and insist you check this band or that band out, I can only hope you trust suggestions from this end, but you did really miss a good band from Denton, Texas, yesterday in Ben Zephyr.
If you're like the typical Central Arkansan music fan who needs to know "what they are like," I'd say that Ben Zephyr has a little bit of Live in its modern-rock sound, and maybe some 3 Doors Down influence. But it's original, and good, and the band's "Red Means Go" CD is chockfull of good tunes. One, "Beetle Therapy," is getting airplay on Clear Channel stations in West Texas.
Good news is, you have a chance to check out Ben Zephyr again tonight, as the quintet is playing at West End Grill and Tavern on Shackleford. Showtime is 10 p.m. You won't be disappointed.
Meanwhile, the River Market clubs have lots to offer again tonight. It may be wet out this evening, but a little rain never hurt anyone, especially since most of your time will be indoors.
Comments
Meanwhile, Chris Henry rocked the house at Grumpy's Too. Maybe the typical Arkansas music fan went to other venues.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 22, 2006 09:33 PM
"I can promise you, I've seen hundreds upon hundreds of folks turn out for music that was pure shit compared to what was on the stage yesterday." You know, if hundreds of people turned out, perhaps the music wasn't "shit". Perhaps you should be more tollerant or other people's taste. Perhaps the problem is that you do not know what the typical central Arkansas music fan likes. Perhaps the typical Arkansas music fan dosen't like your superior attitude.
Jim, I don't think Cat is going to make it.
EDITOR: No Paul, people by the hundreds generally follow the crowd. That's why hundreds often will turn out to see pure shit perform. They are following the crowd. They don't take the time to discover for themselves who is worth a crap and worth them time and who is not. They just follow the masses. They don't read, or when they think they've read, like you here Paul in the comment you've posted to, they just don't get it. Then they paraphrase, proving they didn't get the point. They they try to make themselves feel better by trying to get in a couple of slams back at the person who made the opinion (one they didn't understand anyway) in the first place.
I'll grant you, as you continue to point out on this blog, Chris Henry is fantastic and he should have his own stage at Big Downtown Thursday and tons of other places. And whatever number turns out to hear him will definitely be hearing a rarity around this parts.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 23, 2006 11:32 AM
I always say money dosnt buy good taste, Unfortunately the averasge American has been dumbed down by TV and other media, which translates to a eat at McDonalds Mentality, so it would only be fitting that the average Dumbed down American will never appreciate anything of quality, because the other idiots arent eating it. Those of you who did witness BEN ZEPHYR were not only treated to one of the best bands out there, but you are a rare breed who gets it..... and I bet you dont eat at Mikey Dees either, !
Posted by: anonymouse! | September 24, 2006 12:14 PM
Sorry man! Just didn't like being talked down to. I give up; the crowd is wrong. I guess it's like Yogi Berra, "no one goes there anymore, it's to crowded". Yogi must have meant that the food was s---.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 25, 2006 01:44 AM
I for one appreciate folks that stick their neck, reputation and money on the line for something new, good and in the case of Ben Zephyr - early! The easiest thing to say is 'no'! It takes a trusted gut and some insightful intuition to see the entertainment future - and the cream does rise to the top. The greatest bands of all time were all rejected at first - by the experts: Beatles, U2, ZZ TOP -- if it's a no-brainer - then let's all eat Big Macs!? Regards to the Little Rock folks that came and stayed, and especially Cat, Max and Jim for being heroes in this sense! You took a chance - we'll not forget it!
Sam - A Texan
Posted by: Sam Taylor | September 25, 2006 02:56 PM
I just got one ting ta says, even a Blind Dog don like no Mickey Dees, Gimme a Staek n e day! Woof!
Posted by: Blind Dog | September 25, 2006 03:20 PM
Harris, you are a genius. You must have had a tip. I just saw the update on Chris Henry's calendar. This Thursday, he is playing a at Sticky Fingerz. First a solo show at 9:00 pm and then, he is playing with his new band, Coopers Orbit. The calendar is at chrishenrymusic.net.
Way to go Little Rocking.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 25, 2006 06:27 PM
I don't know much about Thursday night...and I don't eat at McDonalds....but I'll tell you this, my boyfriend and I went to West End on Friday night and witnessed one of the best bands we've ever seen. Ben Zephyr is incredible! I hear they're coming back...I'll definitely be there!
Posted by: Anonymous | September 25, 2006 11:27 PM