Oshawa Music Scene - R.I.P.

I posted last week as I said after spending sometime in Rileys and seeing how well they are doing. I think the closing of the Green Bottle supports my contention that there is no money to be made in our scene. Or at least not enough to support a seven day venue.
So now what? I guess each one of us will have to answer that for ourselves. Why do we need a venue? What have we been working towards and for? Does it help anyone when a band plays in a half empty hall for free.
Each band can play with any other band anytime they want to make it happen. They don't need a bar for that. Music is recorded so each of us can hear Jonas, Micronites, Jeff or the Stables anytime we like. We dont even have to pay for it. Its online.
So why do we need a venue?
Between us we can make the Shwaltz, Pellypalooza, Woodlawn so why do we need a venue?
What is it that we want? Is it just being lazy to want bands to play for us here when the Montreal House and the Horseshoe are just over half an hour's drive away. Are we being cheap? Poor? What did we want the Green Bottle to do for us that would have encouraged us to visit more? What exactly is it that folks want here? Convenience? Who benefits from a venue?
I've put on gigs. Baby Eagle for one. I sorted it so he could play Matt Holtby's open mic at Johnny Bs. Baby Eagle got paid. I didn't. I got to hear in person a pretty cool set from a pretty cool guy. But I could have just gone to the 'Shoe to see him. I didn't have to do all of that. A handful of folks came out so I'm pretty sure the bar lost money. Perhaps that's another loss for them leading ultimately to their closing. Am I helping anyone by putting on shows. Are you? So why did I do it? How did it help Baby Eagle or Matt or Johnny Bs. It didn't so what was the point?
Shotgun Jimmie gets a gig in Oshawa tonight. Its at the Diesel Room. BA Johnston is there too. Its a make-good for the cancelled Bottle gig. Who benefits? Does BA? I'm pretty sure Shotgun isn't thrilled on it.
Cuff The Duke have their make-good at the Groove. How will that be. I'm not looking forward to it I can say that for sure. What is the point of continuing to fool ourselves and our friends in local bands and other bands that's there's a reason to stop in Durham?
I think this is a very good time to look at ourselves as promoters and as an audience and ask ourselves what we are doing right and wrong? I think bands should be moving out of here if they are serious about being professional. There's no money here. Period. Its even crossed my mind that bands should boycott all local gigs until we prove ourselves a worthy audience.
We've lost the Green Bottle, the Dungeon, the Regent, Velvet Elvis, Chicago's, Hare n the Hound, Black Cup, Johnny Bs, Wingshack...all places for live music. We can't blame City Hall or bad management for it. We need to look at ourselves this time.
In real terms there are not enough like-minded music lovers in the area to support a venue. The Green Bottle was built specifically as a house for music. That was the business plan. They filled our need but we didn't fill their bar (except for that crazy drink 'em dry Shwaltz/Grand Opening PARRRRTY!!!)
I think if we really want to support our musicians we could save our dollars and carpool it to Toronto and be there for them in the Big Smoke. I'm pretty sure when Heather Luckhart plays the Liberty Bistro or when Bradley Boy plays the Dakota they would be thrilled to have a gang of familar Shwakats in the audience. I can fit seven in my van.

Comments

[Pius]

This was a sad column to read, as I imagine it was to write.

I don't think all is lost though. Back in the early 90s, most of the good shows were either at the Ozone/Crow's Nest or they were hall shows. I'm talking before the whole Moon Room/Eclipse got started...

So there really wasn't much in the way of venues then either. What there was (in abundance) was boredom. Now maybe that's changed, I don't know. But as long as you've got lots of bored folks, fun things can happen.

And, by the way, the city and the local media were no better at supporting the local scene then than they are now. In fact, there was no internet then, no Scene and Heard, no Durhamrock, no Shwaltz, etc.

So, in some ways at least, things are better than they were. It's a cycle. Things will come around.

[Howinoshawaq]

The "scene" is important.There always should be one,but Oshawa is a really tough sell.With the downturned economy facing a need to promote and showcase local music,the winner will always be money. Autoworkers have lost many jobs.I lost my own jobs because people found ways to save money and just not go out anymore.A pizza and a two-four has replaced the old party night at the bar where they support a great band.Also,many local people don't see the scene for it's true value and aren't interested in it's music.Young original music is of no interest around here any more,for some reason.Book a Stones cover band and charge no admission and watch the place be packed to capacity.It's not right,neccessarily,but that's the way it is.

[tim]

I agree with Medley. There was a point in time where things were looking ok. I was able to sneak into bars underaged and catch some amazing bands who inspired me to get involved in making music. Sorry to hear about the Bottle, its truly a shame because Jen and Craig are amazing folks.

[Abel]

the Green Bottle totally proved there is a solid Friday/Saturday live music crowd. I think any bar owner expecting to be busy even 5 of 7 nights is a little crazy. The Horseshoe and the MoHo aren't and guaranteed they lose money on a lot of nights. Its the expectations that need to change.

"Oshawa Music Scene - R.I.P"

Fuck that, and all who write this shit. I gave up on this scene fucking 10 years ago and I'm the only one who sees the quality of shows and acts and beer drinking. Give me a break.

The Micronite Filters, the Bootleg Glory & Danger! Danger! tonight at the Silver Dollar!!

[alROC]

Speaking o packed...CATL & BRADLEY completely stuffed the Dakota to overflowisng last night. Maybe it was a few extra bodies coming out for Johnny's birthday. No matter, when they play together or otherwise the room is usually FULL of ready to party/dance/good time supportin' folks! Yep, hardly any effort to promote....and the room is almost sold out by 10:30PM!! Just wait until what you hear what's in store for new Year's Eve! RIP- Elvis/Catch 22 et al.

[dave]

B.A. did VERY well at The Diezel tonight! Over $400 was made at the door for the bands. That is over half of what the average Oshawa show makes.

The last time I saw that place packed was Festivus. (RIP Majewski)

[Colin]

Yeah, so strange how all these venues closing happened in a such a short period of time, starting with the Dungeon and now with the Green Bottle. For a few years there, things were good! Remember Julie Doiron and Shotgun & Jaybird playing to a packed house at the Elvis? That gig was life-changing, I swear. It's resulted in me taking two trips our east and about 40 records in my collection I might not have had otherwise. I also met some of my dearest friends through the Oshawa music scene of yesteryear. It may take years for things to get better, but Oshawa could still do some good for some kid like me.