Thursday, January 22, 2009 ended up being the first public event at the newly opened Port City Music Hall. It was a SonicBids showcase featuring Putnam Smith, The Firewater Band, Jordan Valentine & The Sunday Saints, and Lovewhip.
The venue was just finished enough to have an event, but it was definitely a soft opening – soft drinks only, still no sign out front, the lingering smell of paint, and a lot of decoration left to be finished up. What was finished, however, looked great. It’s clear that once everything in place this is going to be a pretty classy joint.
While the turnout was definitely on the thin side, all of the bands played as if it was the biggest show of their careers, taking full advantage of the large stage (not to mention looking pretty professional under that serious lighting grid they’ve put up!).
It’s obvious that great sound was the highest priority in putting this room together, as the 4 bands on Thursday’s bill tested the range of it’s capabilities with genres from folk to punk to rap to soul (complete with horn section). Check out more (larger) photos from the show in this photo gallery.
Also, just in from the Port City Music Hall:
The Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress Street, Portland is OPEN and has BEEN GRANTED A 30-DAY TEMPORARY 21+ LIQUOR LICENSE by the City of Portland.
The two events they’ve had so far both went off without any liquor for sale. Tonight is the rescheduled show from last weekend, and alcohol will be available. The downside of this good news for the new venue, however, is that this temporary license restricts admission to the 21+ crowd. Until it’s sorted out and a permanent license is in place, any 18-20 year olds who purchased tickets will have to live with a refund.
More info at the PCMH Insider.
That was a fun show. Thanks for taking the awesome pics, great site.
Great shots! The stage looked so small in the earlier photos but with people on it I see it is plenty big.