Good question, music fan. Over at Dylan’s blog, Port City Music Hall (among other venues) booker Lauren does a good job of addressing that issue. It’s an unfortunate state of affairs, but it’s true, getting some of the acts that many of us would love to see here in Portland is just impossible for a number of reasons. If you have a problem with a jam band or cover band-heavy schedule in town (which, from what I can tell, a good number of people do), just take a look at how many tickets they sell and compare it to what she says about Animal Collective and Clinic for a little perspective. In a town where a cover charge over $8 gets the hairy eyeball, it’s not hard to believe that asking $12 would handicap even a very strong bill. I’d love to hear any thoughts about ticket prices and the kinds of bands that you’d like to see in Portland but don’t normally get to.
I would love to see the Beatles or Led Zeppelin come to town. But realistically, I hope the Strokes come back. They played the State Theater years ago and maybe the Port City Music Hall would be suitable now? I clearly have grown cynical about music at my age, 22, and can’t get into the music that the kids ‘dig’ these days. I still look at music listings in the phoenix and on here of course but nothing sticks out anymore. Price wouldn’t be an issue (as long as it’s less than $25) if an act I like came to town. Not to say there isn’t some great talent around here. I used to go to local shows every now and then several years ago. [/rant]
All I want is to be able to see the Mountain Goats without having to get on a bus or airplane. And I would pay a ticket price of $30, at least, because I’d be saving on the travel costs. (But you knew this.)
I just loved being tagged.
I would write a longer, wittier comment but the ‘u’ on my laptop keyboard is falling off. What a fcking drag.
While I admit to being one of those people who have raised the eyebrow once or twice, I find it kind of interesting that covers for shows are the same now as I paid in the 80’s for all-ages shows. We shouldn’t complain about adjusting for inflation. However, if I do pay good money, I would request that certain venues actually pay their heating bills so I don’t have to wear 2 coats and a hat and gloves the entire night.
Oh, whatever, I complain just as much as anyone else. It’s part of the culture of Maine to complain about everything.
Great discussion Bryan.
Completly agree, why does portland seem to be getting the same noodlesq bands since 2000…
We would love to see such acts come to Portland Maine such as Dr. Dog, Brightblack, GHQ, Horse Feathers, Vetiver… speaking of Vetiver, check out a similar talk we have going over at…shameless plug…
http://thepinehavencollective.blogspot.com/2009/03/make-portland-part-of-vetiverse.html