Jump to content
Jambands.ca

Velvet

Patron
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    9,927

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    62

 Content Type 

Posts posted by Velvet

  3. New Ottawa venue coming to Elgin Street?

    in Soundboard

    Posted

    http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/new-elgin-entertainment-venue-eyes-june-1-opening-applies-for-parking-exemption

     

    A new intimate theatre* and music venue run for artists by artists, Live! on Elgin, plans to open its doors June 5 and provide a new venue for performance and musical groups as well as visual artists.

    The founders, father and son Lawrence and Jon Evenchick, say they wanted to create a venue at 220 Elgin St., above Dunn’s, that mirrors the atmosphere of the popular Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, but in downtown Ottawa, making it easier for musicians to access. Their goal is an affordable place to find good music.

    There will be a bar and a small 72-spot seating area for patrons between shows, and there will be a limited Dunn’s menu, sparing the cost of installing a new kitchen. Total capacity will be 90.

    They plan to decorate the walls with work from local artists, providing showcase space and possible sales.

    The owners also plan to hire staffers from the arts community, allowing as much money as possible to be recirculated through the milieu.

    “We want to do whatever we have to to help the arts,” said Jon Evenchick.

    Live! on Elgin had planned for a May 1 opening but ran into a snag with parking.

    The city requires a minimum of one parking space for every eight seats within the theatre, but all the parking surrounding the venue already belongs to the city.

    The business has applied for minor variance, meaning it will need the city to grant an exemption from the parking rules. and has a hearing April 1 at Ben Franklin Place on Centrepointe Drive.

    “I suspect they’ll get their variance,” said Catherine McKenney, councillor for Somerset ward. “To have that kind of live theatre and arts venue will be fantastic.”

    So far, the club says it has support from people both in the artistic community and the neighbours at large, with 10 letters to the city supporting the minor variance, and no complaints against it.

    In fact, the concept gained support from Mayor Jim Watson at its unveiling earlier this year.

    “I think it gives artists and performers more option,” Watson said in an interview with Glue Magazine at the time. “It’s one of the reasons we’re constantly ranked high in quality of life when it comes to trying to attract people and talent to live and work in Ottawa. They want to have these kinds of venues, they want that cultural experience. It’s not just about work.”

    Evenchick said the concept for the theatre came to him while he was studying business management at Algonquin College. He wanted to create a medium-sized musical venue, something Ottawa lacks, but after some research decided a smaller venue would be more beneficial and encourage growth within the arts community.

    They also hope to provide a space where more than one show can be put on in one night. Most theatrical performances end by 10 p.m., so a musical show could be put on later.

    The stage will be a set of risers, allowing for a more interactive experience if the show calls for it, as in the case of a comedy act.

    The Evenchicks have planned a grand opening party June 5 with a free show.

     

    *Not that kind of intimate theatre Daveyboy.

     

  8. JAGA JAZZIST!!!

    in Soundboard

    Posted

    how do I know that name?   

     

     

     

    From 081106:  http://jambands.ca/f/index.php/topic/36602-scandinavialog-pics-added/page-2?hl=081106

     

    "Finally Jaga Jazzist. For any of you that caught them at the Ottawa Bluesfest last summer, you'll know why I was excited. They're an Oslo-based ten-piece instrumental experimental modern rock band. Most players are multi-instrumentalists so there's an unbelievable amount of gear on stage. They are obviously very popular here, and had a really big crowd of cheering fans. I was in a state of continuos joy during their set."

     

    Aloha

  17. Neil Diamond - ACC - December 2

    in Soundboard

    Posted

    Before the show began an announcement came over the PA warning patrons that the lights would soon "dim suddenly," and that we should all take a look around and note the nearest emergency exit.

     

    Best part was when the sound guys forgot to turn off the canned applause between songs and accidentally turned it up way too loud.

     

    Runner-up moment was when Neil was urging people to stand up for a song.  The ladies in front of us were very disappointed that he didn't ask them to stand.  They really, really wanted to stand up and were bummed that the star didn't give them permission.

     

    No, wait.  The best part was when Neil addressed the front row with, "I know you're poor, and being poor has got you down.  But if we all stand up and dance it might take your mind off of all that."

     

    The front row tickets were close to $200 with the fees.

     

    Oh, and our 300 level tickets were upgraded to, well basically anywhere we wanted.  We were offered floors but opted for section 209 (we didn't want to sit with the poor people).  The entire 300 level was shut down and pretty much everyone was redirected to Guest Services for new tickets.  There were times when the venue felt like a ghost town.

     

    Really interesting night overall.

×
×
  • Create New...