After reading Austins rant about the Holocene, I thought I'd write a little rant of my own. It isnt about Holocene, (I've never been there or to the Doug Fir, thats how cool I am) its about The Bitter End.
A few weeks ago (or maybe a month) MiraFlores played a show there with The Mellow Outs. I showed up a little early to get a good seat and start mah drinkins. I had expected to pay a cover (clearly shows that rad arent just handed out for free) but we showed up before cover collecting began. I was pleased with myself because of this, as this had happened to me once or twice when seeing MiraFlores at Kelly's Olympian, and I got to see the show for free. (yay! free!)
Travis and Neil sat down with me to have a pre-show drink and get their set list straightened out and the sound guy came over to them and handed them bracelets. He mumbled something about not being able to drink without one and walked away. We assumed that being in the band and having a bracelet meant drinking for free. We found that to be untrue after the bartender cut the bands free tab off after about 4 drinks (total, not each). We then decided that sucked. A lot.
After they started their set, I noticed that cover collecting was in effect. Everyone coming in the door was paying (about 5 bucks, I think) and receiving a bracelet. This meant that if you were already in the bar, you couldnt continue to purchase drinks there until you paid the cover and received a bracelet.
Now, I understand that people should have to pay to see bands.. but, lets say that I just happen to be hanging out at the Bitter End drinking with friends, then (unbeknownst to me) live music commences... I have to pay a cover to continue drinking there? I dont know.. I think thats kinda shitty... Ive never heard of a bar doing that before...
THEN. About half way through their set, and in between songs, we hear THE JUKEBOX playing in the background! So Travis says, "Hey is that the jukebox? Awesome. I like this song." And even after it was pointed out, no one turned it off. ASSHOLES.
So, I know people who really like the Bitter End (SG), but Im no longer a fan. I mean, I'd go there again. If I could get in for free.. drink for free.. and sing really loud while people are trying to listen to the jukebox...
1 comment:
CD,
Couldn't agree more with you on the Bitter End, actually. I LOVED playing there when the owners were responsible and actually running a business correctly, but since they reopened, that place has gone downhill quickly.
The cover thing: while i can see that it's cool to catch a show for free, what the bar should have done is say, "Ok, we know you've been drinking here for awhile, but now there's a show starting. If you want to stay here and drink, come up with $5 collectively and it's cool," or something like that. Sounds like BE fucked up from what you describe. In any regard, that place is kind of lame to hang out since the new owners took over. Cowboy bartender Justin is cool, though maybe that's just because I've played there. Who knows?
You know what I don't like? Hipster bars (I'm looking at you, DUNES) that charge $6 for a well drink. YEAH, FOR A DAMN WELL DRINK! Oh, and BARS WHO DO NOT STOCK JIM BEAM--all y'all can take your respective places in the vault marked, "PLACES THAT SUCK." And DON'T look at me all uppity-like just 'cause you aren't down with JB. Jack ain't the same thing, and tastes like bourbon candy to me. So shut it, pal. Judge not, my bartending friend, for YOU will be eventually judged by the tips I leave you.
Phew. Well that's done. Gimme a call sometime, willya, CD?
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