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Central closed?
| Message Board > General Chitchat > Central closed? |
| Aaargh! User Info... | yes? ..no? I believe they are in the process of cancelling all of their bookings though I'm looking to see if anyone has heard different. - Sat, 24 Mar 2007 5:55pm | ||
| NUVO WAVO User Info... | Yes. Sad but true. Tonight is the last show at Central Bar. NUVO WAVO was scheduled April 28. My understanding is that new owners have new ideas for the space. Stay tuned. The WAVOs will miss Central . . . we had many fun shows there. http://www.nuvowavo.com - Sat, 24 Mar 2007 6:03pm | ||
| kristian User Info... | there were new owners who were leasing the space to them and then unexpectadly said they wanted them out. - Sat, 24 Mar 2007 11:41pm | ||
| lonemonk User Info... | I don't know the true source of my information, but I heard they were having issues over the last 6 months or more. I thought it was closing sooner than it did. I know others were giving some thought to purchasing the place but decided against it. Rumour only, but I hear they owed a lot of money still from the original renovation. Don't get me wrong, certain aspects of that place were cool, but some of the business practices I saw seemed to indicate that it couldn't go on forever. Last time I was there, there must have been 9 or 10 people on staff, at least 5 of which were doing not much. They have a really good sound system, and the only place in Victoria I know that has a different monitor mixer than the PA. Very nice indeed. (But at the same time double expensive as well) - Sat, 24 Mar 2007 11:58pm Edited: Sun, 25 Mar 2007 12:00am | ||
| Aaargh! User Info... | I spoke with the booking lady & indeed, they were issued a less than legal notice of immediate eviction last Friday, stating that if they weren't out by the following Friday an injunction would be filed. That's really too bad... - Sun, 25 Mar 2007 11:39am | ||
| _Griphin_ User Info... | But why are they being evicted?!? And I wonder if it'll revert to what Cues on View used to be like now that Peacock Billiards are no more (though most of the space is still for lease). - Sun, 25 Mar 2007 12:18pm | ||
| The Usual Suspects User Info... | FYI...They did own the building but sold it last year. They were planning on getting another building and re-opening at the new spot but were having trouble finding a suitable location. The new owners sent them notice that they had to be out by Next Friday and the place completely emptied out to a shell. Company that bought the place is based in Honk Kong. No one seems to know what the owners will be doing with the place. The suspects were there on May 12th and were scheduled to probably become the house band there starting in September. We will sorely miss Carole, Mike and all the staff there. Sad day to be sure. But in speaking with Carole, they hope to open up again downtown with a bigger and better "Central Bar & Grill"....Let's hope that they do it. - Sun, 25 Mar 2007 12:40pm Edited: Sun, 25 Mar 2007 12:45pm | ||
| Haden User Info... | Any one know as to where the recent shows that were to happen there are headed? Such as the Jeremy Fisher show? Or have they just been outright cancelled? - Mon, 26 Mar 2007 9:17am | ||
| backstreet girl User Info... | does anyone know who i should contact in regard to tickets i have for a show there in april? besides it really sucking losing the venue, i was really looking forward to the red elvises! - Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:37am Edited: Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:38am | ||
| Zippgunn User Info... | That's, what, at least two nightclubs that Carole has helped "succeed" (Harpo's being the other one I remember, maybe the Ingy as well). The Central was a nice place, but it was poorly managed and, even though it had a bitchin' PA, it had the obligatory miserable sound guy who was literally impossible to please (and I really tried, honest). I found playing there a real trial; not much fun, (local) bands were often treated as if they were annoyances rather than the things that were bringing people in. Reading today's paper it seems that the owners were well within their rights to evict and although the Central's ownership claim they were blindsided I think they doth protest too much; sending unsolicited post dated cheques to the owner at the last minute seems a bit like a panic move to me. Anyone who can take a long standing institution like Harpo's and run it into the ground in a matter of months is suspect IMO so this news surprises me not a bit. Wonder where these clowns will surface next. Here's hoping they don't buy another existing (and thriving) nighclub in this city; they are turning into the Typhoid Marys of live music in this town. Just my opinion but there it is... - Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:57am | ||
| adrian User Info... | Scott - I thought it was Deborah Cameron who did the Harpo's thing. - Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:10pm | ||
| Yo Mama User Info... | Shows by Carlos del Junco and Jeremy Fisherhave been moved to Sugar. Jim Brysonand Jill Barber are now at Gibson Aud. and Danny Michel is now at Logan's. - Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:26pm | ||
| Zippgunn User Info... | You beat me to it Adrian; it occurred to me while walking around downtown today that I had the wrong Deborah, therefore I guess the humblest of apologies are in order here to Ms. Andrews who I obviously don't know nor have I met. As a great sage once sang: "Mistakes Happen". I guess this time I'm the clown, eh? - Wed, 28 Mar 2007 3:12pm Edited: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 3:13pm | ||
| The Usual Suspects User Info... | Yup...They did run the Ingy as well but not Harpo's. As for Mike, there are a few bands that get along great with him. Personally I have nothin but good things to say about Mike and his sound. He can be a little grumpy and sarcastic but there are many people like that. Just a matter of knowing how to deal with him. I never had a problem and he and I are friends. Also re "running places to the ground", if you weren't aware, the Central was voted "Victoria's best live venue". And I don't think that this was the first time for that honor. They opened in 93 and it's been pretty much a success until they had to sell the building. In other words, shit happens. But while it was there, it was a staple in the live scene here. We were treated fantastically every time we were there and we're a local band. I for one really hope that they re-open bigger and better. It's a serious loss to local bands and the local live scene in general. - Wed, 28 Mar 2007 3:53pm Edited: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 3:56pm | ||
| Yo Mama User Info... | I'm assuming you meant the Central opened in 2003, not '93. As for Mike, my limited experience with him and the extensive experience friends have had with him is that he's a total dick. Many, many times I have seem him leave the soundboard completely and go have a beer at the bar with the wait staff. Not cool . - Wed, 28 Mar 2007 4:50pm | ||
| dooker User Info... | personalities aside (we all have our experiences of each other) the room did provide; 1) a venue which could accept over 300 people with food, 2) seating - which was never enough but welcome but those of us that need to sit now and then (I am 49 today and I am sitting!), 3) a flexible arrangement in regards to playing for the door so that if a band can draw they could do very well, 4) a large stage which was well located to the audience (this has been really important to Nuvo Wavo), 5) an environment which offered an alternative to the 'younger type crowd bars', 6) the flexibility to offer a concert and/or a club type atmosphere. Yes there are all sorts of things to consider in regards to the unfolding of this story but ultimately people went to the club to see music and therefore any success was because of those musicians. Randy and Carol (and yes Mike and all sorts of other staff) put in all sorts of time and effort to support live music and for that they should be thanked. In addition to many fab Nuvo Wavo shows at the room I first played there opening for Leon Russell several years ago. Never really followed his music but was aware of his history and who he has played with. It was quite the experience. Have I had issues with the Central? - sure I have and they have their perspective and experience of me as well... Live Victoria works because everyone gets a chance to state their piece. I want to thank Carol and Randy and Mike for their time and effort in support of live music in Victoria. Regardless of opinion they had a major impact and the loss of the room will be felt for some time. Would love to hear from others as to the music they experienced both as a player and as a member of the audience. (P.S. I would like to see an overview of the scene in Victoria now that a major club has been lost - I think Adrien would be a good reporter for that as his writing is fair and insightful and he has the insight of being a player.) - Wed, 28 Mar 2007 5:11pm Edited: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 5:29pm | ||
| The Usual Suspects User Info... | Typo, yes I meant 03...And everyone is entitled to their opinion. As I said, I had no trouble with him and I consider him a friend. Every soundman has their own style. If it was a simple three piece that he was dealing with, why not walk away from the board? Known many soundmen and it's pretty normal (when they know what they're doing) and Mike certainly knows what he's doing. I've known a lot worse guys that had half the talent. - Wed, 28 Mar 2007 5:15pm Edited: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 5:16pm | ||
| Curmudgeon Rocker User Info... | I'm sure this Mike dude wasn't half the cunt like those McBain fucks were. (Harpo's) Well, the jesus guy, anyway (Bruce?) Actually I hope John is pox-ridden too. Regardless, hopefully CBG will indeed find somewhere bigger and better to set up again. - Thu, 29 Mar 2007 8:03am Edited: Thu, 29 Mar 2007 8:08am | ||
| Vegas J User Info... | I agree with my bandmate in WAVO and Mark of the Suspects..I will totally miss the venue, and in general they did successfully run it for 4 years. Carol I believe did Bar Victoria too, again a fun place! I hope they do re-open soon somewhere else, the bar really was designed well for live shows. As for Mike, well, good soundman, good ears, and offers good advice wrapped in an insult. Randy and the rest of the staff were fantastic and we were always treated well by them. Best wishes to opening up again! Damian at Sugar must be being bombarded, poor guy ;-) Vegas - Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:23pm | ||
| Haden User Info... | The Central will be missed, whether or not "you" (the person reading this) patroned it or not. The Central, as Dooker made that wonderful list, had seating, which all other nightspots in town are missing. You could start the show earlier, if you so chose, so that the folk that aren't used to being up at all hours of the night can come and enjoy the show and possibly be home before the cows. It attracted a crowd that wasn't the normal nightspot crowd in the city. A cross section of young people (depending on the band) to the middle age live music lover. Bottom line is, where is one to play to a sit down crowd that has room for dancing if the need be, liquor liscence and can start a show earlier than normal (ie 10pm start), without putting on your own show? I can't think of any. The Central will be missed in my books. - Thu, 29 Mar 2007 6:35pm Edited: Thu, 29 Mar 2007 6:35pm | ||
| Pierce User Info... | Damn good place. - Thu, 29 Mar 2007 9:56pm Edited: Thu, 29 Mar 2007 9:57pm | ||
| Mace User Info... | Never been before, oh well. - Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:36pm | ||
| trevor corey User Info... | I loved getting there early, sitting down at a table(i hate having to stand for four hours) and ordering dinner before the gig and then having a table for the night. My favorite shows there were The Sadies with Greg Keelor, and Grady, and Matt Mayes/elTorpedo. They were also a good Jazzfest venue. Thanks for the classy, comfy, good food/ good music venue. CHEERS! - Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:00pm | ||
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